Scalasaig Batch #1, 43% ABV.

A vatting of 10 expertly assessed and hand selected casks from various Island and Coastal distilleries. The whiskies are filled, after vatting, into fresh Oloroso Sherry Hogsheads for a period of over 12 months – 3,000 bottles.

Tasted as party of the @TweetTastings for @whisky_cellar on twitter on 31/3/2021.

Appearance

This whisky is chestnut leaning towards mahogany in colour, it has a very thick swirl line, and syrupy thick legs.

Nose

Eucalyptus, wood varnish, wood smoke and well toasted bread initially. Cocktail cherries from a jar, fruity ash, tropical and stoned fruits, apricot jam and treacle come and join in the party. With more time in the glass i’m getting a feint lime note, and strawberries and raspberries start to appear.

Palate

Mmmmm, much sweeter than I expected, but I can taste spice in the background as well. Very Berry forward initially, green grapes too, then white pepper, and coffee with just a drop of milk in it come through. Before the finish comes i’m getting rich tea biscuits. It’s a lovely sweet fruit/ light spice mix to be honest.

Finish

Long side of medium for me, gently fruity and spicy, and perhaps a hint of wood fire smoke. With time it’s becoming more black coffee, coffee stout, char, and oak, but it’s all quite gentle, nothing screams at you, nothing is out of place, i would say this is a great sipper.

My thoughts

Another very good Blended Malt whisky, from another Scotch whisky project that The Whisky Cellar founder, Keith Bonnington is a partner in. Full of aromas and flavours and rather moorish for me, i could sit and examine it or just sip, it’s rather nice.

Would i buy a bottle?

At £49 or there abouts i think it is a good value whisky. I would buy a bottle, the island and coastal Single malts are certainly enhanced by the Oloroso finish. It’s not a Shery bomb, but it does deliver plenty of influence.

Thanks to – @whisky_cellar, @Tweettastings, @TheWhiskyWire (all Twitter and can be followed below.)

Image credit – @TheWhiskyWire