Top nine supermarket spirits

Much more than merely a cheaper alternative, UK supermarkets are producing Master-quality spirits – here are our top picks.

Supermarkets are raising their game in the spirits stakes.

When it comes to spirits, big-name brands with the reputation to boot dominate the retail space – especially when it comes to impulse shoppers or those seeking out a gift. But the tide is turning and as supermarkets increasingly seek out fine liquid for themselves, Global Spirits Masters medals and rave customer reviews are following.

We thought it was high time we take a look at the own-brand supermarket spirits sector and pick out the expressions making waves. The selected products either boast glowing Global Spirits Masters accolades or rave customer reviews endorsing the liquid, but not all supermarkets allow product comments so this list is not exhaustive.

Click through the following pages to see our top nine supermarket spirits – if you think we’ve missed a product out, let us know in the comments below.

Aldi Ballycastle Irish Liqueur

“Everything you’d expect from a cream liqueur – thick, creamy and luscious,” is how our panel of judges described Aldi Ballycastle Irish Liqueur in the Liqueur Masters 2014. It went on to receive a deserved Master medal – and at £3.99 for a 70cl bottle, it provides extraordinary value for money. Consumers agree, with one satisfied customer on Aldi’s website declaring Ballycastle Irish Liqueur “bargain of the decade”. We approve.

Aldi Glen Marnoch Speyside

Heading up a Global Scotch Whisky Masters 2015 flight which “blew the judges away”, Aldi’s Glen Marnoch Speyside clinched a further Master medal for the budget retailer – proving its own spirits can be far from tasting “cheap” and big on character. Aldi’s Tony Baines said at the time: “We are extremely proud that our own-label whisky range has been recognised by some of the world’s leading experts.” We bet its not the last…

Aldi Bluegrass Straight Bourbon

… because Aldi’s success at The Global Spirits Masters continued when this month it scooped Gold for Bluegrass Kentucky Straight Bourbon. One of the judges described the whiskey as “nice and different, a delight”, while one happy customer online proclaims it “delicious, smooth, and easy drinking”. High praise indeed.

Waitrose 16-Year-Old Highlands Single Malt Whisky

A limited edition bottling exclusively for Waitrose, this £32.50 single malt comes highly recommended. Described as a complex, full bodied malt with given tasting notes including banana, herbal notes and salted caramel, it’s easy to understand its five-star rating. “I have tried all the Waitrose own-brand single malts, and I’m a very big fan of this one,” enthuses one fan. “If there’s any problem with it at all, it’s that it’s too easy to drink – it’s really smooth, sweetish and delicious.” Enough said.

Waitrose 3yo French Brandy

Another Waitrose entry, this traditional French grape brandy has spent at least three years in oak before being blended with other older brandies for a “harmonious” flavour. Unanimously given five stars by delighted shoppers, it is a tried and tested accompaniment to coffee after dinner. One shopper exclaims: “It’s my husband’s favourite, what more could one say? If he is happy so am I!”

Asda Portland Premium Gin

Not traditionally a spirits haven, Asda is well and truly challenging preconceptions with its Portland Premium Gin. “I bought without high expectations but I was surprised by the quality and the taste,” says one impressed consumer. “This will be my favourite from now on.” Suggested serves include a Cucumber Martini – wonderfully refreshing. Last year, Asda also launched it’s own range of Tasgal blended Scotch with 25- and 30-year old variants available at £50 and £60 respectively. 

Morrisons M Signature Gin

Sticking with gin and Morrisons’ M Signature release is well worth a mention. It has picked up numerous industry awards and features “warm juniper and punchy citrus flavours” amid its blend of balanced botanicals. Quadruple distilled and bottled at 43% abv for a “complex but delicate” taste, it’s great value at £14.99 for 70cl.

Marks & Spencer 12yo Speyside Single Malt

British retail stalwart Marks & Spencer is often regarded as a safe pair of hands on the high street – but its own-brand spirits releases can go over and above expectation. Take the 12yo Speyside Single Malt – from 21 customer reviews, it averages 4.9 stars out of 5. One commenter sent the whisky as a gift: “He thoroughly enjoyed the drink and it is now on his top ten whisky list which is indeed high praise.” And at £30 a bottle, it’s on our list, too.

Marks & Spencer Fine Single Malt English Whisky

But M&S isn’t just flying the flag for Scotland – in 2013 it announced it would bottle it’s own English whisky, too. Step in St George’s distillery in Norfolk, and its Fine Single Malt English Whisky – and M&S shoppers have consistently rated it five-star. “Having purchased and sampled this fine English malt I will return and buy another, confident in its quality to give as a wonderful Xmas gift.” And at £35 a bottle, why not.