Scallywag is the second in the Remarkable Regional Malts series from Douglas Laing that I will be reviewing here. The first one was a rather enjoyable Big Peat, which was an Islay blended malt. But the Scallywag is a blended malt created from Speyside whiskies only.
Like Big Peat, this blend also has a rather unusual label and name. But the dog with a monocle and his one remaining front tooth is actually inspired by Fred Laing’s own Fox Terrier (Scallywag), who turns out to be an inherently cheeky wee rascal full of character. 🙂
We don’t know exactly what goes into the blend, but it does contain whisky distilled by Mortlach, Macallan and Glenrothes to name a few. And as the colour probably already shows, sherry casks have been used, but there is also a part in the mix that has matured in bourbon hogsheads. However, the exact ratio is a mystery. Bottled at a strength of 46% ABV.
Scallywag tasting notes:
Nose: first I get some spices, such as cloves and a pinch of cinnamon. This is quickly followed by dried fruits, raisins and plums. But also leather and a hint of old wood. Then honey and soft oranges in the background.
Taste: a creamy and thick mouthfeel with milk chocolate and caramel fudge. Honey. Some vanilla too. A sour note from lemons. But then spices appear, a pinch of black pepper and cinnamon.
Finish: mid-long with sour oranges and spices. And quite some mocha.
Another enjoyable blend from the Remarkable Regional Malt series. I love the thick and creamy mouthfeel and it’s actually quite tasteful. Full-on flavours. A nice batch! A lovely solid daily dram. It has a bit of Glenrothes style, so could this be the main ingredient?
Bottle provided by De Monnik Dranken.
