In June 2021 Douglas Laing released two Port finished whiskies to its Wood series: The Epicurean Ruby Port and The Epicurean Tawny Port. Both were re-racked into Port casks from the Douro valley for a second maturation period of over 12 months.
The Epicurean Ruby Port Cask Finish (48%, OB 2021, 1368 btl.)
Nose: redcurrant and blackberries mixed with the typical grassiness of the Lowlands malts. Red apples and citrus notes, balancing between sweet and sour. Then comes a wave of oak spice, say pepper and clove, with a wee touch of grainy biscuits.
Mouth: fairly light bodied, bringing together different elements, sometimes clashing with each other. Hints of Seville oranges, plums and grape skin bitterness, alongside chocolate and pickled ginger. A wee coppery note, then pepper and roasted nuts. Some sour raspberry in the background.
Finish: medium length, still slightly bitter, with grassy oak and drying spice.
Somehow I expected more sweetness from the Port cask, but here the grassy Lowlands character and oak spice prevail. Decent whisky, too bad the Port feels like an overlay instead of an integrated part of the composition. Available from Tyndrum Whisky or Master of Malt for instance.