Label 5 whiskies

History

Label 5 grew as a mass-market European whisky brand within La Martiniquaise, a French company with a long track record in the world of spirits. Unlike many brands at its price, the group controls much of the production: it has a malt distillery in Speyside and a grain distillery in the Lowlands, and it blends and bottles the whisky in Scotland. Over time the brand has expanded its range with older versions and finishes, but it is still known above all for its basic blend.

House style

Label 5 Classic Black is a light blend with a large share of grain whisky: sweet cereal, vanilla, some fruit and a very discreet touch of smoke. It is smooth and clean, with a short finish. It doesn’t look for complexity but to be easy to drink, on the rocks or with a mixer. It is one of those whiskies that don’t stand out for anything in particular, which is precisely why they work well in mixed drinks: they don’t overpower the mixer and leave a pleasant background of cereal and vanilla. On the rocks it is fresh and easy.

Where to start

Label 5 Classic Black is the catalogue’s entry. If you like it and want to discover the group’s malt side, try Glen Moray 12, a Speyside malt from the same house, simple and very affordable. Other inexpensive blends in a similar style are Clan Campbell and William Lawson’s. Both are also very affordable and easy to find.

• Label 5 Classic BlackBlend · 40% ABV