Tastes

As an old punx n skins sub culture bloke i got no problem to turn against the mainstream. Im pretty sure my expectations were high above the clouds when i was about to try this one. It wasnt bad in any way but it definitely did not match the hype. Im also used to keep the aromas with a Glencairn glass. I rate it low because i got disappointed but i will give it another try some time with a more neutral starting point. Expected beef tenderloin and got pork fillet-situation.

*Scotch Speyside blend *ABV: 46% *Bottler/blender: Douglas Laing & Co. Ok, i admit that my mind becomes a bit more precautious when i read blend on a label. But when i see its blended by Douglas Laing who also made Big Peat, Timorous Beastie and The Epicurean my worries turn to curiosity. This might also be the bottle that gets the most attention from my non whisky drinker-friends. I recon it had some sort of impact on me buing it as well. Nose: Instant sherry surrounded by fresh ginger, citrus and cinnamon. Some sweetnes from figs, raisins, dried apricots and plums. Just like Big Peat this one have these fusel oil/yeast notes when its newly opened. It makes me wince a little and im trying to associate this note with something more pleasant. It usually goes away after few days so its not a major problem. The aroma here is otherwise concidered a pretty classic scotch id say. Palate: Sweet but tad undemonstrative sherry what turns to grain and nuts on the sides. In the back we got slightly bitter cocoa beans and sprinkles of nutmeg and cinnamon. Maby some dry tannins in the cheeks. Some where on the palate i also get a more cocky Glenmorangie 10. I recon that confirms the classic and malty scotch feel i get. Finish: The sherry lingers accompanied by easy charred oak in the back and by the way this is the only thing that reminds me of bourbon. Spiky baking spice resides for a while. Overall: Id say its a descent blend. Better than a lot of them out there. I would probably recommend this to someone who wants to try something new outside the classic box of JW Red Label, Famous Grouse and Grants. Another whisky who is similar to Scallywag would be Spearhead from Loch Lomond. Its a great single grain alternative if you’re not a fan of sherry notes.

*Sourced straight bourbon from Lux Row Distillers (Kentucky) *ABV: 49,5 (Proof:99) *Age: NAS (Non Age Statement) *Mash bill: 78% Corn, 10% Rye, 12% Malted barley. Nose: Light cinnamon, spiky and a bit harsh, rye spice, classic vanilla, almonds or walnut shells, pretty light and ethanol takes over a bit. Might also be any orange note there. Palate: Pretty classic bourbon notes (brown sugar, vanilla, caramel, oak) but a bit laid back. The profile feels a bit more grown up than other bourbons with restrained notes of tobacco, leather and lack of sweetnes in the front. Finish: Spiky with a good rye bite, dry and nutty feel, laid back oak. Slight bitterness and alcoholic punch. Overall: I dont think this straight bourbon will surprise anyone. Some might even find it boring. Its a pure bourbon that doesnt mess around with any unusual flavors. It really feels simple and thats what i like about it.

N: Dark and deep. Dark syrup, grilled apple that goes quite clearly in the calvados direction. Clear cask of PX that makes me think of a cool basement in a limestone church. Sweet rum raisins, dark cherries and maybe a touch of overripe banana. For those of you who like Barley wine (beer), there are similarities with Bötet Barley from Nynäshamn's Ångbryggeri. P: Directly rustic clear sweetness at the front while oak barrels, chestnut and dark red berries hit like a tidal wave along the cheeks. Feather-light acid on the sides of the tongue that is noticeable for just a few seconds. Nicely done and guess that it is the Rioja cask that presents itself without being a wine expert. Some bitterness from tannins at the back. After a little bit of chewing, it becomes powerful and starts to pinch the tongue really well. Lots of dried figs, dates and raisins. Q: Initially a flurry of oak and ethanol walking on thin ice without falling through. Leather and the smell of grandfather's pipe tobacco. Dusty barrels and almonds. Feeling of yellow-orange and slightly damp autumn forest. Dry woodshed and tannins linger without disturbing. Very nice Speyside straight from the barrel. Will mainly enjoy this after October's swan walks. Happy weekend to everyone who managed to read this far! 🌿

A gift which i always appreciate. Thanks mom! To me this is a budget bottom shelf and you cant miss it on its almost 50/50 watered feel. The peat feels more ashy. Something i usually like but then it needs something more from for example fruit and berries from the yeast. This is probably something you could use as an intro for somebody who never had a peated dram before. But for someone who is used to Ardbeg, Caol Islay and Lagavulin its really weak. If you do drinks it might be an alternative, i dont. N: Yellow pear, fusel oils and campfire all very light. P: Peat and ash. Nothing aggressive or something trying to kick you around tho. Although its low abv the alcohol spikes out a bit to much. Feels like they didnt even tried to hide it. F: Aftertaste is not much to talk about. It goes away quick and leave you with a dusty and tannic feel. This is not the best Loch Lomond have done. They know it and we know it but for the price..? ...well i dunno...

Damn nice. The feel reminds me of my old granddads pipe tobacco smell. Its a rye so it wont cuddle you like a sweet and round bourbon. It got hints of spikyness and is not totally tame. Suits good after a rough day.

Nose: Coastal saltiness, peat, burnt wood and not so pleasant hints of fusel oils. Mouth: Immediate peat, tar and burned wood smoke. More sour and young fusel oils bothers me a bit. A bit of citrus and saltiness in combination with tingeling alcohol. Pretty dry mouth. Heavy but not as much as i expected. Finish : Burned ashy logs and tar hangs around even after toothbrushing. Overall: It's ok. Not overwhelming and still not bad. Will i keep drinking from the bottle? Yes, but it will probably last 9-12 months. Will i buy it again? I dont think so. Id rather safe up with Ardbeg Ten or Uigeadail next peated buy.

Light and lack of rich notes. But i guess its made to suit as many as possible. Nice and thick viscosity but really watery and kept back notes of vanilla, strawberries and dried fruit. I have no doubt that the barrel proof version would be awsome. But to me this super watered down standard is a super boring dram.

Nose: Creamy wild strawberries, floral, grassy, red apples, raisins and sweet rum. Mouth A bit dusty at first. Herbal, fruity, slightly ashy, light, tad black pepper, mellow bourbon bourbon barrels. Finish : Tannins, arrack, raisins, coffee still ash, For the price this is a really good whisky. Not fancy in any way but definitley enjoyable. The rum cask is with you all the way.

This is a pretty weird and interesting whisky. Its that kind of whiskey who starts at one place and ends up some where else. Colour: Amontillado sherry to deep copper. A pretty low viscosity and thin legs rushing down verifies the pretty low abv of 43%. The nose: Floral, fresh coriander, acrid yarrow, lavender, rubbed geranium leaves, liniment. The mouth : First sip feels light, medicinal, a bit sharp and maby a bit severe. Im kind of confused. I spinn the glas for some time and takes another sip. And there it is! Light bourbon and black tea notes sucks me right in and spits me out on an ashy field with burned matches. The finish : Ashy and maby some sweet licorice. Earthy and raw harshnes in a way. The deeper you get in your dram the more it grows. Until youre done and the chimney with its brick block is all that is left.