William Lawson's whiskies

History

The brand bears the name of William Lawson, a whisky merchant from the end of the 19th century. For much of the 20th century the brand had a modest presence, until, in the 1960s, the Macduff distillery was built and became its source of malt. Later the brand passed to Martini & Rossi and, with that company’s merger with Bacardi at the end of the 20th century, it ended up within that group. Since then it has become established as one of the best-selling blends in several European countries, with Spain as one of its big markets.

House style

William Lawson’s style is light and fresh: green apple, cereal, vanilla, honey and a touch of spice and wood. The Macduff malt brings fruit and body, and the grain, smoothness. It matures in bourbon and sherry casks. It uses no peat. It is a simple blend with a short finish, designed for drinking on the rocks or with a mixer. It is a very consistent, easy-to-recognise style.

Where to start

William Lawson’s is the catalogue’s entry and a classic option for mixed drinks. You’ll like it if you’re after a light, affordable blend. If you like it and want something with more body, compare it with Dewar’s 12 Year Old, from the same house, or with an aged blend. Drink it with ice and soda, or with your favourite mixer, and try a Highland malt alongside it to see what malt brings to the blend.

• William Lawson'sBlend · 40% ABV