Scallywag Small Batch Blended Single Malt Whisky ~ Speyside, Scotland

700ml

80/11 Whisky Wash

Winner, Best Blended Malt Whisky 2014 - World Whiskies Design Awards

Silver, Scotch Whisky Blended Malt 2014 - International Wine & Spirit Competition

Big Peat's gone and got himself a trusty sidekick in the shape of a dapper Fox Terrier wearing a monocle! Scallywag from Douglas Laing is a vatted malt made from Speyside whiskies, including Mortlach, Macallan and Glenrothes. Many of the whiskies used in the small-batch release come from Spanish sherry butts, giving Scallywag a fab sweetness that's balanced by some "mischievous" bourbon cask whisky also in the blend.

Nose - Sweetness jumps up like an excited puppy. Icing sugar, sultanas and candied ginger. A few hints of grain here and there, but sweetness steals the show.

Palate - The sweetness surprisingly retreats, revealing nutmeg and cereal. Vanilla comes in near the end. Cinnamon too, giving it a prickle of spice.

Finish - A pinch of oak spice joins the vanilla and sherry for the finish.

Overall - Incredibly pleasant, the Scallywag is an absolute treat in every sense.