Dumbarton Rock Blended Whisky
The independent bottler Dràm Mòr, run by Kenny and Viktorija Macdonald, is mainly known for its unique single cask bottlings. They regularly release not only single malts, but also rum and armagnac. Starting this year, they additionally offer the blended malt Dumbarton Rock. Today we take the time to taste this blend, which consists of five different single malts.
The panel
Mean 71.5 · spread 3
Value for money 4/5
- Bottler
- Dràm Mòr
- Type
- Blended Whisky
- Region
- Highlands
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 46% ABV
- Character
- delicate
Tasting
Nose
This blend beguiles the nose with malty pear and a hint of chocolate, so rich that even the bottle cap becomes envious. A spicy foamy sugar dream, like marshmallows with honey tickle the senses.
Palate
The Dumbarton Rock doesn't quite know where it wants to be yet. It tastes of grain is oily, like a biscuit with a hit of vanilla honey. The oak gives it a subtle seriousness while it dabbles with a pinch of citrus and a hint of sultanas or figs, sweetly fruity but not too berry. Taste that shows that youth can sometimes be sweet and indecisive!
Finish
The malt says goodbye with ginger spiciness and lemon acidity in staccato. A finish like when you steal the last piece of shortbread. Thanks to the oak, the finish is short but with a pinch of elegance - a farewell that calls for an encore.
Verdicts
Marcel
Dumbarton Rock is a real crowd-pleaser among blends – lively, malty, and with a cheeky ginger spice that leaves you wanting more. It’s a whisky that pleasantly surprises with its untamed youthfulness and sweet vanilla notes, even though it could still gain a bit more clarity.
Sascha
Dumbarton Rock impresses with its balanced interplay between sweet fruity notes and subtle oak, yet its development still feels slightly uncertain. A longer maturation in casks could give the blend the necessary depth and structure to harmoniously unite its complex components.
What it is worth
No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.