Scotland
Douglas Laing has added to its Remarkable Regional Malts series with the launch of a special edition, The Gauldrons, which literally means 'bay of storms'. This adds to a line that already features Big Peat from Islay, The Epicurean from the Lowlands, Rock Oyster from the country's islands, Scallywag from Speyside and Timorous Beastie from the Highlands.
Its name is a reference to the “dark sandy coves” in Campbeltown, and, according to legend, it was here that Robert the Bruce (King of Scotland from 1306-1329), witnessed a plucky spider attempt to build a web over and over again, which he took as inspiration to keep fighting. An intricate golden spider’s web on the packaging demonstrates the importance of that ode to this brand.
Douglas Laing have maintained a strong sense of tradition throughout, it would seem. The Gauldrons blended malt is produced in small batches and bottled at 46.2% ABV, without colouring or chill filtration. Each batch is numbered in order to compare future bottlings to gauge how this interesting new line develops in the casks over time.
Sweet cereals, with a note of iodine and sweet spices.
It's slightly coastal, with smooth peat and gentle wood spice. A touch of salted caramel is there, as is a little brown sugar and smokey barley.
Medium finish, with notes of vanilla, robust peat and sea salt.
Spicy and satisfying.
Expected a lot more from this bottle ; spirit driven ; not much character or depth ; prefer the real Campbeltown : Glen Scotia; Springbank; Kilkerran
Ridiculously good...
This is a beautiful, light Campbeltown Whisky. It is very enjoyable in front of my fire on a cold, dark night. The sweet and salty elements work very well together. I would highly recommend this dram!
What a deliciously delectable delight! I don’t know my Campbeltown whiskies well but I do know this is a well balanced, refined Malt with a sweet, home baking character that develops to salted caramel and dried seaweed. Love the salty sweet style.
