Crabbie’s Yardhead Single Malt Scotch Review

Corrected December 12, 2022

By Alex Southgate

Rating: A-

Crabbie’s Yardhead Single Malt Whisky
(Credit: Crabbie’s)

It’s always nice to come across something completely unexpected. This was certainly the case recently when I went into my local off-license, looking for one thing and came out with something entirely different. I spotted a whisky on the shelf by Crabbie’s, a company I know well, but for alcoholic ginger beers, (which are very good by the way,) and as it was around the £20 mark I just had to give it a whirl. I have to say, I’m very glad that I did, and it’s opened up an entire range of whiskeys that I didn’t know existed, and now I can’t wait to explore the rest.

Crabbie’s Yardhead takes its name after the site in Leith, Edinburgh, when John Crabbie founded his original distillery. This whiskey has been specially designed to be as good a mixer as it is for sipping. This is clever as Yardhead  should, therefore, appeal to a fairly wide audience. The fact that it has been bottled from first fill bourbon casks allows for a versatile flavor profile, making it perfect for cocktails.

The Scotch
I have to admit that I wasn’t expecting great things from this single malt. I bought it on the basis of liking the company but still had it in my head that it wouldn’t be a world beater on account of the price. On the pour I thought my doubts were going to be reinforced. Yardhead is a very soft amber in the glass and I have to admit doesn’t look particularly inviting.  My concerns quickly abated, though, as soon as I got a smell of this beautiful single malt.

To the nose the scent of apples greets you almost immediately. This hit me before I even raised the glass to my nose, and the juicy, fruity aroma is really welcoming. This is followed by the sweetness of lemon sherbet. The sweet sharpness softens to creamy custard tones and finishes with malted wheat. Before you even put this whiskey anywhere near your lips you can’t help but hope for great things.

Just as with the nose, the taste of apples if the first thing that hits your palate. This is backed up with the unmistakable richness of toffee. There are also citrus notes hear but they combine with a soft, peppery, undertone that sets your taste buds dancing. The peppery notes give way to rich, yet slightly bitter molasses.

I have to say I’m super surprised by Crabbie’s Yardhead. At the price I paid for this bottle I wasn’t expecting miracles. I was expecting a fairly one dimensional affair; tasty but not necessarily anything to write home about. I have to say I was shocked by how wonderfully complex this single malt is and I can genuinely see this becoming a regular addition to my liquor cabinet. In fact, I would honestly say that this is better than some of the premium whiskeys I’ve tasted recently. At the price you could do far worse than giving this little gem a try for yourselves.

The Price
Crabbie’s Yardhead averages out at around the £24 mark. Depending on where you buy it from, though, you could save a little on this already rather reasonable price.