Whisky Review: The Hive 12-Year-Old Blended Scotch

The Hive is one of three blended malt Scotch whiskies presented by Wemyss Malts, sharing shelf space with Peat Chimney and Spice King. As their respective names would indicate, each blend is intended for a specific flavor profile.The Hive is a mix of single malts most notably featuring a “signature malt from Speyside, giving citrus and honeyed top notes,” according to Wemyss’ website.

It is far too common for brands to suffer a lack of self-awareness while claiming to be something they are not. The folks at Wemyss understand their product well and have marketed it effectively. If one were to miss the clues dropped by the product name and the bottle, which subtly resembles both a beehive and a pot still, the description on the label explicitly details the contents to be a “handcrafted whisky noted for its honeyed flavours.”

Clearly, Wemyss is promising honey, honey, and more honey with The Hive. This line of vatted malts previously consisted of both 8- and 12-year old releases. The latest available bottling sees the removal of an age statement as well as an increase to 46% ABV (92 proof). This review features the 12-year-old, 40% ABV (80 proof) version.

Tasting Notes:

Vital stats: 40% ABV (80 proof), aged 12 years, 100% malted barley, around $50.

Appearance: Yellow gold, medium legs.

Nose: Honey, citrus, light floral notes, vanilla.

Palate: Sweet, honey, light spice tones.

Finish: Light burn, warm spice on the back end.

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Conclusion:

While sipping The Hive, I found the promised honey tones to be nicely understated and balanced expertly with light spice notes. The marketing bordered on being evocative of myriad whiskies featuring honey flavoring available across the spirit world. I cracked the bottle almost expecting a syrupy sweetness to be contained within. I am relieved to find this is not the case with The Hive. Make no mistake, this is a sweet Scotch, but not sickly-so. Overall, the presentation does prepare the drinker well for the experience of enjoying this particularly friendly blended malt.

FINAL SCORE: 82/100