What is a Hauf and Hauf? The Scottish Whisky & Beer Tradition 

What is a Hauf n Hauf? 

Traditionally, ordering a Hauf n Hauf in a Scottish pub meant asking for a standard measure of Scotch whisky alongside a half pint of beer. Rather than mixing the two together, each drink is enjoyed separately, allowing the flavours to complement one another with every sip. 

It became a familiar ritual in pubs across Glasgow, Edinburgh and beyond. Workers would gather after a day’s graft, friends would meet for a catch-up, and conversations would flow as naturally as the whisky itself. 

Affordable, sociable and wonderfully uncomplicated, the Hauf n Hauf became part of Scotland’s pub culture. 

Why does it work? 

The beauty of the Hauf n Hauf lies in balance. It’s less about rules and more about discovery. 

Just as different casks influence whisky in unique ways, different beers can reveal entirely new sides to a dram you’ve enjoyed for years.

Our Take on Tradition 

At Murray McDavid, we’re always inspired by whisky’s rich heritage — but we also love putting our own twist on classic ideas. 

That’s exactly what inspired Half ‘N’ Half, one of our most distinctive Crafted Blends. 

Rather than simply celebrating the pub tradition, we wanted to capture it inside the whisky itself. 

Our blend combines 50% Speyside single malt with 50% creamy Highland single grain whisky, before taking an unexpected turn. 

Working alongside our friends at Spey Valley Brewery, we supplied them with our empty whisky casks to mature their rich Imperial Stout. Once the beer had drawn incredible character from the oak, those stout-seasoned casks returned to us, where they were filled with our blend for a final maturation. 

The result is a whisky layered with notes of sweet malt, milk chocolate, vanilla, creamy cereal and mellow oak spice — a dram that pays homage to the Hauf n Hauf while showcasing Murray McDavid’s Art of Maturation.