Scallywag Cask Strength

Do you remember the Scallywag from Douglas Laing? It now has a big brother: Scallywag Cask Strength. As far as I know, it is again Mortlach, Macallan and Glenrothes in the lead, although I heard through the grapevine that young Glenburgie is actually the heart of this Pure Malt.

The nose is to be approached with caution as it is very punchy, spicy and alcoholic. Typical sherry notes come first. Think plums, Seville oranges, but also gingerbread. A touch of mocha and mint. Some tobacco and woodsmoke. Stury fellow! Water calms him down quite a bit and makes him creamy and soft.

With the first sip, it is creamy and sharp at the same time. Again it starts with all the fruit of the nose, but now in a stew with loads of spices like cinnamon and cloves. Walnuts! Very sharp, I must say. This definitely needs water. That makes it – obviously – a lot more quaffable, but without losing character. But then, this brings us back to the ‘regular’ Scallywag or very close to it of course.

The finish is medium long on tobacco and chocoalte with a bitter touch at the death.

I found it too difficult to dring undiluted. Too sharp, too spicy and too alcoholic. Luckily it does not fall apart with water. I found the ‘regular’ Scallyway better – more layered, while this is pure sherry and cask strength.