Rock Island Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing's
Spicy, Maritime, Costal2022-08-28
Douglas Laing provides us with independently bottled blends. Founded back in the 1940s, Douglas Laing distributes a variety of different series in which single malts are blended and thematically ordered. Within the Remarkable Regional Malts, Rock Island represents the Scottish islands. Fun Fact: Originally distributed as Rock Oyster, the bottling was renamed to Rock Island, as oysters had a negative connotation for many customers.
Smell
At first, we are met by a pleasant portion of peat smoke. Slighty hidden there is a wonderful sweetness. Malt and vanilla combine with fresh citrus notes. The classic maritime aroma of the Hebrides.
Taste
Like a proper gulp of seawater, Rock Island lies on the palate with an interesting saltiness. Spices and smoke provide a mouth-filling aroma. Citrus freshness and vanilla take a back seat, but are clearly perceptible.
Finish
As expected, the spice and smoke provide a lasting finish. The typical maritime aroma of the Scottish islands remains.
Thoughts
A wonderful blend which is simply inoffensive. We get a feeling for more (pun works better in German - sorry) with the smoke typical of the islands. Vanilla sweetness, maltiness and hints of citrus combine to create a balanced representation of typical island flavors.