About this whisky

William Lawson's dates back to 1849 and takes its name from William Lawson, a Scot remembered by the brand as 'The Highlander' for doing things his own way. Today it is blended at the Macduff distillery on the Moray Firth coast, home of Glen Deveron single malt, and is part of Bacardi's John Dewar & Sons. The brand has always had a no-nonsense attitude, preferring a big, bold flavour to fancy rituals, and it has grown into one of the world's top-selling Scotch whiskies.

In the glass it is fruity and characterful with no peat or smoke: toasted cereal, fresh apple and a hint of banana, then chewy toffee and a light citrus edge, finishing sweet and malty with a touch of spice. It is a cheerful, easy-going blend for long drinks, a good pick for a laid-back get-together, and an easy Scotch to keep in the house for guests.

Key facts

• Brand created in 1849 and named after William Lawson
• Blended at the Macduff distillery in the Scottish Highlands, home of Glen Deveron single malt
• Part of Bacardi's John Dewar & Sons since 1993
• Big, fruity style with no peat or smoke

Tasting notes

Nose:

Fresh apple, a hint of banana, vanilla and light spice

Palate:

Toasted cereal, juicy fruit and chewy toffee with a citrus edge

Finish:

Sweet and malty, with a touch of spice

Serve

Tall with ginger ale or cola over plenty of ice and a lime wedge, or on the rocks.

Food pairing

Easy with spicy street-style snacks: chicken kathi roll, chilli paneer or masala fries.