Rock Island Mezcal Cask Edition Launched

Douglas Laing & Co has unveiled a new limited edition whisky, which is named Rock Island Mezcal Cask Finished Island Malt Scotch Whisky.

The original Rock Island Malt Scotch Whisky is a marriage of single cask single malts distilled only on Scotland’s whisky islands of Orkney, Arran, Jura and Islay. The resulting spirit is said to “boast a complex balance of maritime flavours, revealing waves of sweet, salty, smoky and earthy notes”, and accordingly has been decorated with a number of high-profile industry awards over the years, including Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition.

In creating the new Rock Island Mezcal Cask Finish, the family firm subjected the classic Rock Island recipe to a secondary maturation period in ex-Mezcal casks. Meaning “oven-cooked agave”, Mezcal is a Mexican spirit derived from the agave plant. The heart of the plant is first cooked underground, then the smoked juices are left to ferment, before being double distilled and matured in oak casks to create the final, smoky spirit.

Strictly limited to no more than 1,500 bottles, the new release is said to be “perfect for summer” and carries vibrant green, blue and orange colourways complemented by warm gold foil detail. Bespoke agave plant illustrations feature alongside the classic Rock Island oyster, symbolising the meeting of contrasting cultures - “From the idyllic shores of Scotland’s west coast” to “the sun-drenched Mezcal distilleries located in the heart of Mexico”.

As far as the tasting notes of the newly released whisky goes, its nose opens with Scottish sea salt and roasted Mexican agave balanced by tangy gooseberries and fresh floral notes. Its palate exudes barley-sweet and super smooth moving to an earthy, light smoked style alongside barbecued meats and it has a finish which is Oceanic and elegant, with citrus fruits, juicy blackberries and honeycomb.

In line with the Douglas Laing family’s “as natural as it gets” ethos, Rock Island Mezcal Cask Edition is offered without added colouring or chill-filtration, and at a high alcohol strength of 46.8 percent. It is expected to retail at £60.00 and will be available from specialist retailers and online across Europe, Americas and Asia- Pacific.