Shackleton

Shackleton Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a smooth, warming blend of Highland single malts, inspired by the whisky that the explorer Sir Ernest Shackleton took to Antarctica in 1907. A century later, crates of that whisky were found frozen in the ice beneath his expedition hut, and this bottle is the modern, everyday tribute to that remarkable story.

Created by Whyte & Mackay’s master blender Richard Paterson, it’s rich and approachable, with vanilla, toffee apple and ginger, dark sugar and dried fruit, and a final whisper of bonfire smoke. Bottled at 40% ABV, it’s a great-value dram with one of the best stories in Scotch whisky.

Shackleton Tasting Notes

• Nose: Vanilla, toffee apple, cinnamon and ginger, with honey and orchard fruit.
• Palate: Dark sugar, sweet dried fruit and glazed pineapple, with honey and sultanas.
• Finish: Warming notes of mulled wine and praline chocolate, ending with a final whisper of bonfire smoke.

It’s mostly sweet and fruity, with just a hint of smoke at the very end. That’s enough to give it character without turning it into a smoky whisky.

What Is a Blended Malt?

Shackleton is a blended malt, which isn’t the same as a blended Scotch. A blended malt is made only from single malt whiskies from more than one distillery, with no grain whisky added. That gives it the depth and texture of single malt, while the blender can combine different distilleries’ styles to create a particular flavour.

For Shackleton, Richard Paterson blended a selection of Highland single malts, then married them together for an extended time in ex-bourbon American white oak barrels and Spanish sherry butts. The bourbon casks bring vanilla, honey and toffee, while the sherry butts add dried fruit, spice and warmth.