Rock Oyster Cask Strength

Rock Oyster Cask Strength, NAS, 57,4 %

Douglas Laing’s original Rock Oyster launched in January 2015, and I was not overwhelmed by that particular Remarkable Regional Malt. The Rock Oyster represents the Islands region, and is made up from whisky from distilleries on the Islands of Jura, Islay, Arran and Orkney. The Rock Oyster Cask Strength is now here to bring more omph. 

Says Douglas Laing’s Managing Director Fred Laing:

“For Rock Oyster Cask Strength, I’ve selected a range of casks from the Islands and lovingly vatted them together to create a blast of sea air on the nose and a tempestuously oceanic storm on the palate. Anticipate a big peat hit full of Islay phenols, iodine and coal dust, with a shake of pepper softening to a distinct honey sweetness from the Arran casks. The Isle of Jura brings waves of citrus and barley to the mix, and Orkney fetches up some salt from the deep.”

You can buy the Rock Oyster Cask Strength in Norway at NOK 799 (3919701), in Sweden at SEK 599 (8524601), and in the UK at around GBP 50.

Nose: Mild and rough at the same time, I would say. You have a soft touch of vanilla and fruits, mixed with notes honey. Then you have the rougher elements of minerals, peat and pepper. Given time in the glass, I find it quite harmonious - like the seas have calmed. A deep sugary sweetness prevails.

Taste: Rich and oily mouthfeel. Spices, minerals, honey, summer fruits and peat. Yep, it's all there. This is fairly complex stuff, and it packs a fair bit of omph as anticipated.

Finish: Medium long finish. The mix of honey, peat and minerals stand out. Sticky fudge, and "dirty candy" (not that kind of dirty! More like you've dropped a piece of fruit candy in ashes, and tried to wash it clean with honey...).

Comments: Surprisingly rich and harmonious. It really works very well.

Score (87/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas