Tasting notes

Scallywag 10 Years Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing

Douglas Laing offers an array of blended malts from all the regions of Scotland in its Regional Malts range. The well known Scallywag - representing Speyside - has been extended with a 10 years bottling. A blend of Speyside malts matured in Oloroso and Pedro Ximénez ex-sherry casks. Today we find out if the age statement improves the already excellent Scallywag.

The panel

Marcel
80
Sascha
80

Mean 80.0 · spread 0

Value for money 4/5

Bottler
Douglas Laing
Type
Blended Malt Whisky
Region
Speyside
Country
Scotland
Age
10 years
Strength
46% ABV
Character
delicate

Tasting

Nose

On the nose we are greeted by the harmony of Speyside and sherry casks. Cocoa, coffee and dark caramel are in the foreground. These are joined by fresh notes of lemon and honey. There is also some fruitiness of ripe red apples. A stronger note of old, aged leather hovers in the background.

Palate

On the tongue, the oiliness surprises with its high viscosity. At first, the flavour of honey and beeswax dominates. This is followed by strong aromas of sultanas and baking cocoa, rounded off by a pleasant peppery kick. On the palate, we find a spicy, floral dryness.

Finish

The malt's farewell is rather brief. The slight bitterness of oak and the sweetness of brown sugar remain.

Verdicts

Marcel

Scallywag 10 shows character with a charming blend of sweetness and spice that’s just plain fun. It’s like a cheeky mate who still commands respect with its rounded profile – perfect for enjoyable evenings without any fuss.

Sascha

The Scallywag 10 impresses with its balanced interplay between sherry-influenced fruity notes and spicy dryness, while the oiliness provides a pleasant structure. Despite a somewhat short finish, it remains a harmoniously composed Speyside blended malt with a clear cask signature.

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.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2023-08-27.