Tasting notes

Scallywag Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing

The blended Scotch Malt Whisky is supposed to be cheeky, at least that's what the name and label promise. The Scallywag is now available in a wide variety of editions and styles. We have the classic in our glasses.What could be better than a dog with a monocle as a bottle label? The blend from Speyside is decorative in its own peculiar way. It is said to contain Mortlach, Macallan, Glenrothes and a few more.

The panel

Marcel
82
Sascha
78

Mean 80.0 · spread 4

Value for money 5/5

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

Tasting

Nose

The dominant sweetness on the nose reminds us of nothing other than vanilla pudding with icing, as strange as that may sound. In addition, we have an undertone of grain and malt, as well as sherry aromas.

Palate

In contrast to the nose, we have surprisingly little sweetness, but plenty of vanilla, cardamom and a little oak, which provides a slightly woody dryness. Green grassy notes are present as well as a hint of coked grass. Sherry flavours are in the background. The mouthfeel is slightly oily

Finish

The finish is light on oak tannins, a little cocoa and a bit of sherry tumbles at the end. A cheeky shot of black pepper follows at the very end.

Verdicts

Marcel

A whisky that’s simply fun with its sweet vanilla notes and cheeky peppery finish – exactly what you’d expect from a Scallywag. Despite the slightly woody finish, it remains approachable and charming, perfect for sociable evenings without any fuss.

Sascha

The balance between sweet vanilla tones and subtle oak dryness is solid, although the sweetness present on the nose is more restrained on the palate. The complex interplay of cardamom, sherry, and pepper provides structure, even if the blend as a whole could benefit from a bit more depth.

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 2022-10-02.