Haig Profile

Blended Scotch Whisky

Haig Gold Label was the mother brand of John Haig & Co. alongside its deluxe Dimple expression, and was a top-selling blend for much of the 20th century. It was especially popular in Britain where it became the first spirits brand to sell a million cases. By the millennium its UK sales, together with Dimple Haig, had crashed to just 750 cases. The recipe has included Lowland malts like Glenkinchie and a heavy reliance on Cameronbridge grain.  

  • Production type
    Blended Scotch

Haig History

Haig Gold Label dates back to the twilight years of the 19th century, and before long the packaging had settled on a dumpy, dark brown bottle with a plain white label and a string of medals at the bottom.  

‘D’ye ken John Haig?’ asked the early adverts, and the slogan was emblazoned on the mainsail of a yacht that would sail up and down the south coast of England to stoke up demand. This gave way to the long-running ‘Don’t be vague, ask for Haig’ slogan.

By 1939 Haig was Britain’s best-selling Scotch. In 1971 it broke the million-case barrier and was poised to embrace modern retail. ‘While other Scotch whisky distillers hesitate on the supermarket sidelines,’ declared the DCL Gazette of that year, ‘UK brand leader Haig is about to take the plunge in no uncertain manner.’

Haig Gold Label is still sold in markets around the world, although owner Diageo has taken to shining its spotlight on other blends, including Johnnie Walker, Buchanan’s and Windsor.

Owners

Parent company

Current owner

Previous owners

See also

  • Cameron Brig Cameron Brig Cameron Brig Brand

    Cameron Brig

    Cameron bridge distillery's lesser-known single grain whisky.

  • Haig Club Haig Club Haig Club Brand

    Haig Club

    Single grain Scotch whisky endorsed by David Beckham, with its roots in 17th century Scotland.

  • Glenleven Glenleven Glenleven Brand

    Glenleven

    A blended malt Scotch from the House of Haig, which existed in the 1960s-80s.

  • Dimple Dimple Dimple Brand

    Dimple

    Be it Dimple Haig or Dimple Pinch, this blend is still going over 120 years since its creation.

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