Better late than never but it’s about time I’ll check out the latest batch of Scallywag Cask Strength. I had the magical opportunity to be at Douglas Laing HQ when the original Scallyway was released and I loved it so lets check it out and see if this batch of the Cask Strength (4800 bottles) manages to keep up to the high standard of the original.

Douglas Laing Scallywag Cask Strength Batch #2 (54.1%, £45.98/€54,90)

Nose: Malty which isn’t surprising as I assume it will be young, and energetic (thanks to those extra %), strong sherry impact, dried berries, sultanas, white pepper, demerara sugar, vanilla pods are scatter through, quite lively and punchy.

Palate: Young, punchy and even a bit spirity from time to time, malt and porridge followed by a wave of sherry notes starting with sweet dried fruit, then oak spices and cinnamon, vanilla, pepper and eventually nutmeg along with additional cinnamon notes.

Finish: Medium length, lingering sweet dried fruit, malt and new oak wood.

Thoughts: Delivers exactly what was expected out of it. A stronger and beefed up sherried Speyside whisky for a reasonable price even if it feels a tad younger than the original Scallywag. No wonder it is sold out in most places.