Scallywag vs 3D

Here we go, the first reviews for the blog. I recently ordered a set of samples from the good chaps at Master of Malt. The first two samples I tried are two very different blended malts in a nice price range.

I decided to pit these malts against each other solely based on the fact that they are both blended malts.

First up is the Scallawag (46% ABV), a blended malt from Douglas Laing. Specifically what caught my eye, with this malt, was the packaging. I am a sucker for nice labels. Don’t get me wrong, I don't care much for overpriced crystal decanted whiskies in leather suitcases with purple velvet interior. A well-designed label or a smart package, however, often catches my eye.

But let’s move on the the whisky:

- Oh! First thing that come to my mind when I nose this is: ex-Sherry Glenrothes. Had I nosed this blind, not knowing it’s a blended malt, I would definitely have guessed Glenrothes. I have not tried many Glenrothes but this whisky share a distinct smell that I for some reason associate with a smell I can best describe as a “new car smell," a combination of leather, vinyl and rubber. I've found this smell in several of the few Glenrothes I tried in the past and to be honest something I've often found a bit to overwhelming, but in this case it is more subdued. The nose is also buttery, it transitions from a more solvently (paint thinner) to a more sweeter smell. Sweet hard candy. With water I find the more familiar sherry notes; dried fruits and some nuts. A hint of spices as well, maybe nutmeg.

Taste is initially peppery but quickly turns into dark (bitter) chocolate and tea leaves (Dolphin’s Earl Grey Chocolate bars),  still some hint of spices, anise and licorice. water brings on the dried fruits; prunes and cranberries.

I find Scallaywag to be very pleasant to drink, the taste appeals to me more than the nose though.

Second up is 3D (56,4% ABV), from the guys at Cask Strength and Carry On, apparently a blend of three Ds; Dailuaine, Dalwhinnie and Dufftown. Three distilleries that I associate with a bit more funky, complex whisky that need a few years to mellow out. The nose is not at all what I expect; it’s light and ethereal; citrus fruits mixed with vanilla (sponge cake) and oak. A hint of honey and nuts, but also green grass. With water more fruits; citrus and apples. It also reminds me of “Piggelin” a pear flavored ice popsicle of my youth. On the tongue - it’s sweet, the fruits have been caramelized. Lime cordial also comes to my mind. The grass makes a comeback with the water added. It finally ends with a dry finish.

My first impression was: This is a solid, easy to like style of whisky. After letting all the impressions sink in, I feel that this is a whisky that I would enjoy at almost any occasion, it’s kind of a crowd-pleaser. Well-balanced, bright light flavours and a nice kick, being cask strength.

On this tasting occasion I felt that the 3D came out on top, albeit two very different blends, one sherry cask heavy, the other, what seems to be mostly ex-bourbon cask.

Scallywag: 6±.5 and 3D: 6.5±.5