Rock Island 14 yo Sherry Edition

 

 

 

46,8°

Distillery : Isle of Arran, Isle of Jura, Highland Park, amongst others - Islands

Bourbon Casks and Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

 

 

 

Rock Island is one of the highlights of Douglas Laing & Co's Remarkable Regional Malts, a range of blends designed to represent the spirit of each Scottish region. This limited edition is being launched to celebrate the company's 75th anniversary. Finished mainly in Sherry casks, it enriches the palette of flavours typical of the Scottish islands. The label states that whiskies from the islands of Orkney, Jura, Arran and Islay have been used, "amongst others". So we have the names of three distilleries for sure, bearing in mind that Islay is probably Caol Ila, but this is not certain. Officially, nothing is mentioned, but I was told that around 5,000 bottles had been made.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

So it seems to me that it's still dominated by Bourbon, a creamy, vanilla Bourbon, with yellow plums and crunchy Italia grapes, but it's also costal, with sea spray and tide, salt, mineral hints. A light but captivating smoke. The Sherry is discreet on the nose and brings a certain roundness, a mellowness that gives thickness to the fruit. More on quinces and apricots. The palate is a bit light, but correct, with lemon, slightly exotic spices, vanilla and chocolate, stracciatella. The finish is good, long and complex enough, explosive but not too much. Nuts of cola and nutmeg, humus, a hint of salt, limestone.

 

In Short, 

I think the casks are finished in Sherry, and for a short time, its influence is minimal. This is no doubt a good thing, as it highlights the profile of island whiskies: salty, iodised, smoky, but not so much. 14 years is a fine age, with strength and character, but also maturity and complexity. This is good work. It's nothing exceptional, but it's worth a try if you can find it at a fair price.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                            Blackberry Smoke - Ain't Much Left of Me