Buchanan's Coconut is the newest tropical extension from the brand and follows the considerable success of Buchanan's Pineapple, which is what opened this direction for them in the first place. Worth being clear about what it is: the label reads Spirit Drink, not Scotch whisky, and that is a legal distinction rather than a marketing one. Adding flavoring takes a product outside Scotch whisky regulations regardless of how good the underlying whisky is, so Buchanan's labels it accurately. What sits underneath is the brand's own blended Scotch, the same smooth style James Buchanan built the name on more than a century ago, and natural coconut and citrus flavors are added on top of it. The stated inspiration is coquito, the Puerto Rican coconut and rum drink traditionally made at Christmas, and that reference explains the profile better than any tasting note: creamy rather than sharp, sweet but not cloying, and built around coconut with citrus keeping it lifted. Expect toasted coconut, vanilla and honey on the nose with soft oak behind, then creamy coconut, caramel and gentle baking spice across the palate, finishing clean and lightly sweet with the malt still audible underneath. Bottled at 35 percent alcohol by volume, which is deliberately approachable, and it is built for mixing more than for contemplation. It works over ice, and it works considerably better with pineapple juice, coconut water, club soda, ginger ale or cream soda. A genuine crowd pleaser for parties, beach days and holiday gatherings, and an easy sell to anyone who already drinks the Pineapple.
ABV / Proof
| ABV |
35% |
| Proof |
70 |
| Size |
750ml |
| Country |
Scotland |
| Producer |
James Buchanan & Co., Scotland |
| Category |
Spirit Drink |
| Expression |
Buchanan's Coconut |
| Base |
Blended Scotch whisky |
| Flavoring |
Natural coconut and citrus flavors |
| Production |
Distilled, blended and bottled in Scotland |
| Inspiration |
Coquito, the traditional Puerto Rican coconut holiday drink |
Tasting Notes
Color: Bright golden straw with light amber highlights.
Nose: Toasted coconut, vanilla bean and honey lead, with soft oak, caramel and delicate citrus zest behind.
Palate: Smooth, light and creamy. Coconut and caramel carry through vanilla and tropical fruit, with gentle baking spice and soft malt underneath.
Finish: Clean and lightly sweet, with lingering coconut, vanilla and a touch of whisky warmth.
FAQ
Q: Is this Scotch whisky?
A: It is made with Buchanan's blended Scotch whisky, but the label reads Spirit Drink. Adding flavoring places it outside Scotch whisky regulations, so it cannot legally be sold as Scotch.
Q: What is the proof?
A: 70 proof, which is 35 percent alcohol by volume.
Q: What does it taste like?
A: Creamy coconut with vanilla, honey and caramel over a soft oak and malt base, finishing clean and lightly sweet.
Q: What is it inspired by?
A: Coquito, the Puerto Rican coconut drink traditionally served at Christmas.
Q: How should I serve it?
A: Chilled or over ice, or mixed with pineapple juice, coconut water, club soda, ginger ale or cream soda.
Q: Where can I buy Buchanan's Coconut online?
A: Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.
