The Award-Winning Scotch Whisky Sam Heughan Helped Create

Scottish actor Sam Heughan wants to share his country with the world. "There's nothing better than climbing up one of these mountains and at the very top toasting a little dram of whisky," he told Parade. Scotland's mystic mountains and moody landscapes inspired Heughan to create spirits of his own. As told to The Scotsman, Heughan was determined to make alcohol he, too, could enjoy on mountaintops, and set out on tastings and distillery tours to finalize his own whisky blend. Using smooth, balanced Asian whiskies as inspiration, Heughan took an active role in logo design, cork tests, and travel and temperature experiments.

"I know a lot of people don't like whisky or a lot of people haven't tried it, and I think this they will really enjoy because we wanted to make something that is accessible that everyone will enjoy," Heughan told Parade. He seemed to have succeeded in his quest, as the label has claimed at least a dozen awards, including recognition from The Scotch Whisky Masters, International Spirits Challenge, and the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

Not long after its launch, Heughan's whisky claimed double gold at the 2020 San Francisco World Spirits Competition and repeated the win in 2021 before collecting additional trophies at both the 2021 New York World and European Wine and Spirits exhibitions (per Parade). As noted on the Sassenach website, Heughan's whisky is a collaboration with Loch Lomond Whiskies' master blender Michael Henry and is made of aged and blended single malts and an organic 20-year-old single grain. The whisky is matured in Madeira wine casks, which according to Whisky.com, means that the spicy, fruity essence of Maderia wine colors the drink. As for the Sassenach name? Once a derogatory Gaelic term for outsiders, the word became one of endearment in the TV series "Outlander," in which Heughan plays a lead role (via The Scotsman). 

Whisky connoisseurs, prepare yourself for butterscotch, citrus, and warm spices, notes Master of Malt, as the 46% ABV whisky delivers cinnamon, caramel, and apricot notes before filling palates with whispers of honey and vanilla fudge. Abandon Bourbon similarly describes the blend as having a honey-like sweetness with notes of vanilla and fruit pie. Serve this whisky neat, suggests Cult of Whisky, as the pour is long, dry, and doesn't have any "whisky burn" effects. Bottles cost around $100, and the liquor is suitable for all occasions, promises Reserve Bar. After one or two drams, you may cheerfully toast "Slàinte!" to Heughan's efforts.