Rock Island Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing
This blend of the famous independent bottler Douglas Laing offers us a composition of the characteristic and absolutely unmistakable aromas of the Hebrides.Douglas Laing provides us with independently bottled blends. Founded back in the 1940s, Douglas Laing distributes a variety of different series in which single malts are blended and thematically ordered. Within the Remarkable Regional Malts, Rock Island represents the Scottish islands. Fun Fact: Originally distributed as Rock Oyster, the bottling was renamed to Rock Island, as oysters had a negative connotation for many customers.
The panel
Mean 67.0 · spread 24
Value for money 4/5
- Bottler
- Douglas Laing
- Type
- Blended Malt Whisky
- Country
- Scotland
- Strength
- 46.8% ABV
- Character
- spicy
Tasting
Nose
At first, we are met by a pleasant portion of peat smoke. Slighty hidden there is a wonderful sweetness. Malt and vanilla combine with fresh citrus notes. The classic maritime aroma of the Hebrides.
Palate
Like a proper gulp of seawater, Rock Island lies on the palate with an interesting saltiness. Spices and smoke provide a mouth-filling aroma. Citrus freshness and vanilla take a back seat, but are clearly perceptible.
Finish
As expected, the spice and smoke provide a lasting finish. The typical maritime aroma of the Scottish islands remains.
Verdicts
Marcel
Rock Island is like a stroll along a windy beach – pleasantly smoky with a sweet, malty embrace. Not a groundbreaking dram, but certainly charming and easy-drinking for a relaxed evening by the sea.
Sascha
The Rock Island Small Batch impresses with a harmonious balance between peaty smoke, maritime saltiness, and subtle citrus notes. Despite lacking sharp edges, the blend offers a solid structure that is typical of the Hebrides region.
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.