FIVE GERMAN SUPERMARKET WHISKIES AMONG WORLD'S BEST

The GatecrasherS Supreme: GERMANY’S ALDI AND LIDL 

Aldi and Lidl Scotch Whiskies Retail Around $15 Per Bottle

Aldi (Albrecht Diskont) is the common brand of two family-owned German discount supermarket chains with over 10,000 stores in 20 countries. The chains operate as two financially and legally separate groups, Aldi Nord and Süd. Aldi Nord operates in Denmark, France, the Benelux countries, Portugal, Spain and Poland, while Aldi Süd operates in Ireland, Great Britain, Hungary, Switzerland, Australia, China, Italy, Austria and Slovenia. 

Both Aldi Nord and Aldi Süd also operate in the US with 1,600 stores as of 2017 (the only country to have both of Aldi's subsidiaries operating outside of Germany).

Aldi is the largest wine retailer in Germany and sells low cost alcohol. It manufactures several brands of whiskies, mainly Scotch Whisky. Four of Aldi’s Whiskies have been named among the best in the world for the second consecutive year at the highly acclaimed global competition Spirits Business Scotch Whisky Masters. The award-winning whiskies include Aldi Highland Malt Black Scotch Whisky, Glen Marnoch Islay Single Malt Scotch Whisky, Glen Marnoch Speyside Single Malt Scotch Whisky and Aldi Hogwash Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.

LIDL

Stiftung & Co. is another German global discount supermarket chain that operates over 10,000 stores across Europe and the United States. Lidl is the chief rival of Aldi in several markets, including the US. There are Lidl stores in every member state of the European Union. Lidl stores are also present in Switzerland, Serbia and the United States.

Lidl's Queen Margot, an eight-year blended Scotch whisky, took home a category win for "Scotch Blended 12 Years & Under." The whisky beat out competition from industry giants (and far pricier bottles) including Johnnie Walker Black Label and Chivas Regal.

All these whiskies are sold at prices ranging between one half to one third of the pricier global Scotch Whiskies. Somebody is taking the common man for a ride!

Watch this space. A review or two of Grade A whiskies will follow anon.