Hogshead Chain Pier 5 Review: A Fearlessly Bold and Intensely Rewarding Modern Scotch
Hogshead Chain Pier 5 carries a sense of occasion before the cork is even pulled. Toon, the founder of Hogshead Indie, is a dear friend, and seeing Hogshead Indie champion whiskies with real personality has been a joy to watch. What matters most, though, is the liquid—and this release earns its place through flavour, intent, and rarity.
The whisky itself comes from Chain Pier Distillery, a distillery that already feels like a footnote in modern Scotch history. Chain Pier was never designed to be a long-term operation. Based in Edinburgh’s Leith (Granton) area, it functioned as a highly experimental pilot distillery for John Crabbie & Co, operating briefly between late 2018 and 2019. Its purpose was to test production techniques, fermentations, and flavour directions ahead of the opening of Bonnington Distillery.
In that short window, Chain Pier produced just 39 casks of Lowland single malt before closing its doors. That limited output makes every bottling a snapshot of a moment in time—an exploration rather than a finished destination. It also explains why releases like this have become increasingly sought after by collectors and adventurous drinkers alike.
Hogshead Chain Pier 5 embraces that experimental spirit fully. This is not a whisky shaped by decades of tradition, but by curiosity, intent, and a willingness to push flavour boundaries.
Tasting Notes: Hogshead Indie Chain Pier 5
Stats
- Age: 5 Years Old
- ABV: 54,5% (109 proof)
- Distillery: Chain Pier Distillery
- Region: Lowlands (Edinburgh)
- Flavour Profile: Spice Market Heat
- Chill-Filtration: No
- Colouring: No
Nose
The nose opens with deep, syrupy richness. Molasses and dark caramel lead the way, quickly followed by crushed vanilla pods and warm brown sugar. There’s a sense of density and concentration right from the start, but it never feels heavy or blunt.
With time, herbal and earthy notes begin to surface. Grassy fennel and damp moss provide balance, pulling the sweetness back into line and adding complexity. Cardamom and nutmeg bring aromatic warmth, while a soft citrus note—tangerine peel rather than sharp zest—adds a gentle lift. The overall impression is layered, expressive, and constantly evolving in the glass.
Palate
The palate arrives bold and unapologetic. Thick sweetness coats the mouth immediately, before giving way to a savoury warmth reminiscent of cream cheese–filled jalapeños drizzled with honey. It’s indulgent, playful, and surprisingly well balanced.
Brown sugar and caramel dominate the mid-palate, supported by nutty notes of cashews and pecans that add depth and texture. Cinnamon and cardamom weave through everything, providing warmth and structure rather than aggressive spice. The alcohol is assertive but purposeful, carrying flavour with confidence and giving the whisky real presence.
Finish
The finish is long, sweet, and immensely satisfying. Brown sugar and dark molasses linger, joined by rich, oak-driven maple syrup notes that feel almost chewy. Cinnamon continues to glow as the sweetness slowly fades, while a touch of ground white pepper adds a drying, spicy edge right at the end.
It leaves behind warmth, spice, and a lingering sweetness that begs for another sip.
Food Pairing
Hogshead Chain Pier 5 pairs beautifully with bold, indulgent flavours. Cinnamon rolls and brown sugar–coated pancakes mirror the whisky’s sweet-spice character perfectly. Streaky bacon works just as well, the salt and fat cutting through the richness of the dram.
For something savoury, a well-built burger with caramelised onions is an excellent match. This whisky has the intensity and structure to stand up to big flavours without being overwhelmed.
Who Is This Whisky For
This whisky is made for adventurous drinkers who actively seek out something different. Stylistically, it leans far closer to bourbon or rye than to classic Scotch single malt because the Virgin Oak maturation is very clearly present on palate, nose and finish.
Fans of Elijah Craig Barrel Proof or Ironroot Harbinger will feel immediately at home, as will rye lovers drawn to powerful, spice-driven drams like Stauning Rye. For Scotch drinkers, the closest comparisons lie with virgin oak or chinquapin-aged whiskies, where sweetness and spice are pushed firmly to the forefront.
Verdict
Strengths
- Big, bold, expressive flavours
- Sweet, complex, and deeply engaging
- A distinctive snapshot of experimental modern Scotch
Weaknesses
- Far removed from traditional Scotch profiles
- The sweetness and intensity won’t suit every palate
- Best appreciated by experienced whisky drinkers
Final Thoughts
Hogshead Chain Pier 5 feels like a captured moment in Scotch whisky history. It reflects a distillery that existed purely to experiment, explore, and question what Scotch could be—and then disappeared almost as quickly as it arrived.
The result is a powerful, flavour-driven whisky that leans confidently into sweetness and spice, blurring the lines between Scotch and American whiskey styles. For drinkers who value character, intensity, and rarity, this is a deeply rewarding dram and a fascinating glimpse into a distillery that burned bright, briefly, and memorably.
