Scotland
Douglas Laing's Rock Island bottles the epitome of the Scottish Islands. The blend marries a plethora of Island whiskies, with malts from Islay, Arran, Orkney and Jura. The whisky has been bottled at a rather specific 46.8% ABV, and of course without colouring or chillfiltration. If you think this sounds all a bit familiar, the blended malt was previously dubbed 'Rock Oyster', though the name was changed because it turns out there's an awful lot of people who don't like oysters. Not to worry, it's the exact same great maritime whisky!
Wind-swept beaches, coastal peat and a hint of ash, complimented by touches of green fruit.
Yet more sea breeze, with oat cake crumbs, growing spicy notes of cracked black pepper and a deft whiff of peat smoke. Hints of vanilla here and there.
Salinity lasts on the finish along with peppery warmth.
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Nose: smoke, salt & pepper, Coastal peat, sea-air, very fresh! Taste: Spice, Little bit of sweetness, Black Pepper, strong liqourice Finish: Medium-Long, Smoke and Liqourice If you can find it, pick it up!
Went to a tasting evening in Nottingham and this was on the itinery. It was an experience I didn't want to end in all three parts. I had to take a bottle home for further investigation. The nose has enough going on with it that it may be enjoyed for a long time without wanting to tip the glass. Likewise with the palate. You simply cannot keep it on your taste buds long enough. If you can make the nose and palate last long enough, the finish sends tingles around your body that does stay for quite some time.
I found this to be a very smoky blend. The smoke flavour overwhelms virtually everything else, to the point where I wondered if it had been treated with one of those "liquid smoke" flavourings. I think it would work if you were drinking it in the ambiance of an open wood fire, or if you smoked strong cigarettes or cigars, but otherwise not one I'd recommend.
An absolute find... this whisky over delivered for me - peaty, sweet, citrus and maritime flavours at the ready - a great great dram.
I wanted to like this but found it young, spirity and hot. Where Scallywag was underwhelming and Timorous Beastie was inoffensive, this is just not good. Big Peat works so well because Islay whiskies can be sublime at a young age. The same can not be said for other regions of Scotland.
