VAT 69 is a famous old brand of blended whisky, chosen by Sir Ernest Shackleton to accompany him on his Imperial Trans-Antarctic Expedition of 1914 ‘for medicinal and celebratory purposes’, and also famously the favourite whisky of Captain Lewis Nixon of the 506th Parachute Infantry Regiment, immortalised in the book and TV series Band of Brothers.
Nose: Hints of spice and caramel, notes of barley malt, with a soft wheat character. A touch of pear juice.
Palate: Ground almonds and barley malt. Slightly biscuity, more of those pear notes, a little pepper. Sweet, rounded.
Finish: Woody, spiced finish. Caramel.
Overall: Simple, easy-going stuff. If you’re looking for a dependable blend, this is an excellent choice.