Dumbarton Rock Blended Whisky
The independent bottler Dràm Mòr, run by Kenny and Viktorija Macdonald, is mainly known for its unique single cask bottlings. They regularly release not only single malts, but also rum and armagnac. Starting this year, they additionally offer the blended malt Dumbarton Rock. Today we take the time to taste this blend, which consists of five different single malts.
Tasting Notes
Nose
This blend beguiles the nose with malty pear and a hint of chocolate, so rich that even the bottle cap becomes envious. A spicy foamy sugar dream, like marshmallows with honey tickle the senses.
Palate
The Dumbarton Rock doesn't quite know where it wants to be yet. It tastes of grain is oily, like a biscuit with a hit of vanilla honey. The oak gives it a subtle seriousness while it dabbles with a pinch of citrus and a hint of sultanas or figs, sweetly fruity but not too berry. Taste that shows that youth can sometimes be sweet and indecisive!
Finish
The malt says goodbye with ginger spiciness and lemon acidity in staccato. A finish like when you steal the last piece of shortbread. Thanks to the oak, the finish is short but with a pinch of elegance - a farewell that calls for an encore.
Thoughts
Marcel 70/100
Dumbarton Rock is a real crowd-pleaser among blends – lively, malty, and with a cheeky ginger spice that leaves you wanting more. It’s a whisky that pleasantly surprises with its untamed youthfulness and sweet vanilla notes, even though it could still gain a bit more clarity.
Sascha 73/100
Dumbarton Rock impresses with its balanced interplay between sweet fruity notes and subtle oak, yet its development still feels slightly uncertain. A longer maturation in casks could give the blend the necessary depth and structure to harmoniously unite its complex components.
Value for Money: Good
Discover our value for money winnersThis product was kindly provided to us by Drám Mór. This does not influence our rating. No payments or other benefits were received in exchange for this provision.
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What makes Dumbarton Rock Blended Whisky by Dràm Mòr special compared to other blended malts?
Dumbarton Rock is composed of five different single malts carefully combined into a complex blend. It comes from an independent bottler known for their unique single cask releases, which gives the whisky a distinctive individuality.
How does the lack of an age statement affect the taste and quality of Dumbarton Rock Blended Whisky?
Without an age statement, Dumbarton Rock displays a youthful freshness with sweet and fruity notes like pear, honey, and citrus. The oak adds a subtle seriousness, while the finish surprises with ginger spice and lemon acidity. Here, quality depends more on the selection of single malts than on age.
In which region of Scotland is Dumbarton Rock Blended Whisky produced, and how does this influence the character of the whisky?
Dumbarton Rock originates from the Scottish Highlands, a region known for its diverse and often malty whiskies. This origin contributes to the malty and fruity aromas that define the blend, as well as a balanced oak note on the finish.