The original Scallywag blended malt dates was launched in 2013 and is now marketed as part of a series called Remarkable Malts (with Big Peat, Timorous Beastie and Rock Oyster).
The mischievous fox terrier now has a louder cask strength brother. How nice of Douglas Laing to make the wee dog’s eyes pop, his ears blow open and his monocle ping on the packaging.
It is a blend of Speyside malts, including Mortlach, Macallan, Glenrothes and others.
Scallywag Cask Strength (53,6%, Douglas Laing 2015, 6000 btl.)
Scallywag Cask Strength (53,6%, Douglas Laing 2015, 6000 btl.)Nose: a sweet and spicy profile, with some sherry influence. Sugary prunes, slightly overripe oranges, clove and cinnamon, giving it a slight gingerbread note. Toffee with light vanilla cake. Mocha and honey.
Mouth: good impact, mostly on stewed fruits with plenty of chocolate, honey and toffee again. Growing spicier, with pepper and ginger. A lightly toasted hint, roasted coffee beans. Easily drinkable at cask strength.
Finish: medium long, with notes of tobacco and bitter cocoa nibs.
Mostly the sherried, spicy character of this Scallywag Cask Strength stands out, more than its supposedly fruity Speyside core. One for chocolate lovers. Around € 70.
Score: 84/100