High Commissioner(香港中文常譯作“至尊”或“紅獅”,在國內威士忌愛好者圈子裡也有個暱稱叫“高司令”)是一款源自蘇格蘭的調和威士忌,由羅曼德湖(Loch Lomond)蒸餾廠生產。它以其親民的價格和易飲的口感,在全球多個市場都頗受歡迎。
以下是一個關於High Commissioner威士忌核心資訊的快速概覽:
特性 描述
中文譯名 至尊,紅獅,1856
產地 蘇格蘭
類型 調和威士忌
酒精度 40%
主要風味特色 水果(桃子、梨子)、焦糖、香草、一絲泥煤煙燻味
大致價格區間 百元港幣以內/瓶(1000ml) (實際價格因通路和地區可能有所波動)
適合人潮 日常口糧酒、新手入門、調製雞尾酒
經典飲用方式 純飲、加冰、嗨棒(Highball)、調製雞尾酒(如曼哈頓)、Half & Half(與啤酒搭配)
🍇 風味與口感
High Commissioner威士忌的風味整體平衡易飲:
· 聞香:能感受到水果的甜香,如桃子、梨子等,伴隨焦糖和香草的氣息。輕微酒精感可能初時顯現,但通常很快就會散去。
· 口感:入口通常柔和順滑。除了水果的甜味,還能體會到麥芽的香氣、一絲焦糖的甜味以及若有若無的泥煤煙燻味。一些評測也提到了肉桂等香料風味。
· 餘韻:餘韻綿長且帶有溫暖的香料感,有時可能略帶辛辣。
🏭 品牌與釀造
High Commissioner由羅曼德湖蒸餾廠(Loch Lomond Distillery) 生產。酒廠的歷史可追溯至1814年,位於蘇格蘭高地與低地的交界處。
· 獨特技術:羅曼德湖蒸餾廠是蘇格蘭少數能同時生產麥芽威士忌和穀物威士忌的酒廠之一。它擁有多種類型的蒸餾器(包括傳統的壺式蒸餾器和獨特的羅門式蒸餾器),這賦予了其基酒更多的多樣性,為調配提供了基礎。
· 釀造理念:High Commissioner自1856年創立以來,一直沿用其原始配方釀造。這款威士忌在美國橡木桶中陳年至少3年以上,所有的原酒均在其自給自足的蒸餾廠內生產。
🥃 飲用方式
High Commissioner威士忌的飲用方式多元:
· 純飲(Neat或Straight):適合慢慢品味本身的風味層次。
· 加冰(On the Rock):加入大塊冰塊,低溫可以降低酒精的刺激感,使酒體更順滑,並更凸顯甜味。
· 調製嗨棒(Highball):加入蘇打水,製成清爽的Highball,非常適合聚餐或休閒時刻。
· 調製雞尾酒:因其順滑的口感和甜美的香氣,它也適合作為基酒調製曼哈頓、老式(Old Fashioned) 等經典雞尾酒。
· Half & Half:這是一種傳統的蘇格蘭喝法,喝一口啤酒之後再追一口威士忌,兩者結合能創造出新的風味層次感。
🏆 獎項與市場
High Commissioner因其出色的性價比獲得了市場的認可和一些獎項:
· 銷售佳績:它曾在英國市場銷售排名第三,現位居第五。 2022年全球每秒可賣出6杯(25ml/杯)。
· 獎項榮譽:曾獲世界威士忌競賽(WWA)金牌、國際烈酒挑戰賽(ISC)金牌、舊金山世界烈酒大賽(SFWSC)金牌等榮譽。
💡 選購與品嚐建議
· 作為口糧酒:如果你在尋找一款價格親民、口感順滑、日常飲用無壓力的威士忌,High Commissioner是一個很不錯的選擇。
· 對於威士忌新手:它風味易飲,刺激性相對較弱,非常適合作為入門酒款來探索蘇格蘭威士忌的世界。
· 對於資深愛好者:雖然可能不夠複雜,但作為日常輕鬆飲用的選擇,或用於調製雞尾酒,它也能勝任。
High Commissioner (often translated as "Supreme" or "Red Lion" in Hong Kong Chinese, and also nicknamed "High Commissioner" among whisky enthusiasts in China) is a blended whisky originating from Scotland, produced by the Loch Lomond distillery. Its affordable price and easy-drinking taste have made it popular in many markets around the world.
Here's a quick overview of the key facts about High Commissioner whisky:
Characteristics Description
Chinese Translation: Supreme, Red Lion, 1856
Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended whisky
Alcohol content: 40%
Key flavor notes: Fruit (peach, pear), caramel, vanilla, a hint of peat smoke
Approximate Price Range: Under HK$100 per 1000ml bottle (actual price may vary depending on distribution and region)
Suitable for: Everyday drink, beginner, cocktail mixer
Classic Servings: Neat, on the rocks, Highball, cocktails (such as Manhattan), Half & Half (with beer)
🍇 Flavor and Mouthfeel
High Commissioner whisky has an overall balanced flavor profile and is easy to drink:
· Nose: Sweet fruit aromas such as peach and pear are present, accompanied by caramel and vanilla. A slight alcoholic note may be noticeable initially, but usually dissipates quickly.
· Taste: Typically smooth and mellow. In addition to the sweet fruit, the aroma is complemented by malt, a hint of caramel sweetness, and a subtle peat smoke. Some reviews also mention spice notes such as cinnamon.
· Finish: The finish is long and lingers with warm spices, sometimes even a touch of spiciness.
🏭 Brand & Distillery
High Commissioner is produced by Loch Lomond Distillery. The distillery, dating back to 1814, is located at the junction of the Scottish Highlands and Lowlands.
· Unique Technology: Loch Lomond Distillery is one of the few distilleries in Scotland capable of producing both malt and grain whiskies. It utilizes a variety of stills, including traditional pot stills and unique Lomond stills, which provide a diverse base whisky and a foundation for blending.
· Brewing Philosophy: High Commissioner has been brewed using its original recipe since its creation in 1856. This whisky is aged for a minimum of three years in American oak barrels, and all the original spirit is produced in-house at the distillery.
🥃 How to Serve
High Commissioner Whisky can be enjoyed in a variety of ways:
· Neat or Straight: Perfect for savoring its layers of flavor.
· On the Rocks: Add large ice cubes; the cold temperature reduces the alcohol's harshness, making the whisky smoother and highlighting its sweetness.
· Highball: Add soda water for a refreshing Highball, perfect for a party or casual occasion.
· Cocktail: With its smooth taste and sweet aroma, it also makes a great base for classic cocktails like the Manhattan and Old Fashioned.
· Half & Half: A traditional Scottish way of drinking, combining a sip of beer with a sip of whisky creates a new layer of flavor.
🏆 Awards and Market
High Commissioner has received market recognition and several awards for its excellent value:
· Sales Success: It was once ranked third in the UK market and is now ranked fifth. In 2022, six 25ml glasses were sold every second worldwide.
· Awards and Honors: It has won gold medals at the World Whisky Awards (WWA), the International Spirits Challenge (ISC), and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (SFWSC).
💡 Purchasing and Tasting Recommendations
· As a regular whisky: If you're looking for an affordable, smooth, and stress-free whisky for everyday drinking, High Commissioner is a great choice.
· For whisky beginners: Its flavor is easy to drink and relatively mild, making it a great introduction to the world of Scotch whisky.
· For experienced enthusiasts: While it may not be complex, it's still a great choice for easy everyday drinking or cocktails.