The Targe 1994
Nose
The single grain whisky from the Scottish Highlands opens the nose with a bready aroma reminiscent of freshly baked bread. Vanilla and tobacco add a sweet and slightly smoky depth, while a hint of soap offers a subtle but interesting note. The scent of coconut crumble dough brings a pleasant, sweet complexity, complemented by light, bright fruit notes that add freshness to the bouquet.
Taste
On the palate, the LIDL whisky has a flavour of hay and honey, which lends a natural sweetness and depth. Vanilla comes through clearly and gives the whisky a rich sweetness, while fresh wood and a well-defined oak provide a solid structure. The note of coconut completes the flavour profile and brings an exotic sweetness into play.
Finish
The finish is of medium length and offers a pleasant oak flavour. A hint of stevia provides additional sweetness, which blends harmoniously into the warming finish.
Thoughts
The Targe 1994 from LIDL is a solid grain whisky at an attractive, competitive price. It offers an interesting range of aromas and flavours that make it an appealing proposition. Overall, LIDL shows that they have made a good choice for whisky lovers with this whisky. Not bad Lidl, not bad - a successful whisky that definitely convinces for the price.
Rating: 79/100 - Very Good (Marcel: 79 | Sascha: 78)
Value for Money: 5/5 - Very good
FAQ: The Most Common Questions
❓ What is the difference between single grain and single malt whisky, using The Targe 1994 as an example?
👉 Single grain whiskies such as The Targe 1994 are mainly made from grains other than barley (often wheat or maize) and distilled in column stills, while single malts are made exclusively from malted barley in pot stills. Grain whiskies are usually lighter, sweeter and less complex than single malts. The Targe shows typical grain characteristics: a bready flavour, vanilla sweetness and an accessible, soft texture. They are often used for blends, but this LIDL whisky is a pure single grain.
❓ Why can LIDL offer whisky like The Targe 1994 at such competitive prices?
👉 LIDL can offer favourable prices because they buy in large quantities, do without expensive marketing campaigns and usually buy up older stocks that others no longer market. The Targe 1994 is probably a "surplus whisky" from an unnamed distillery. Grain whiskies are generally cheaper to produce than single malts as they can be made more efficiently. The quality can certainly be right - you just sacrifice the prestige of established brands.
❓ Is The Targe 1994 recommended for whisky beginners?
👉 Yes, definitely! Grain whiskies such as The Targe 1994 are ideal for beginners as they are milder and more accessible than single malts. The sweet vanilla and honey notes, combined with the soft texture, make it very drinkable. In contrast to the problematic Ben Bracken Highland, The Targe shows that LIDL can certainly offer solid whiskies. For the price, you get an honest whisky without aggressive sharpness or annoying off-flavours - perfect for getting to know the world of whisky.