Douglas Laing The Gauldrons 50% NV

Professional reviews

BOW (88)

Independent whisky bottler Douglas Laing has released the second batch of a stunning Sherry Cask Finish from The Gauldrons, a blended malt from Campbeltown and the sixth addition to their Remarkable Regional Malts series. This Limited Edition whisky has been finished in Spanish Sherry casks and bottled at a pleasant 50% alcohol volume. The Gauldrons, which means "Bay of Storms" in Gaelic, is named after the dark and stormy bay where the legend of King Robert the Bruce began.

King Robert the Bruce attempted to liberate Scotland from the English, but several failed attempts left him banished to Rathlin Island. Feeling defeated, he saw a small spider persistently trying to create a web in his cave. The spider's perseverance inspired King Robert the Bruce, leading to his eventual victory and Scotland's independence. The Gauldrons' packaging features an image of a spider and web, reflecting this legend.

On the palate, The Gauldrons offers a maritime and salty flavor with the distinct Campbeltown character, complemented by a burst of rich, dark fruit and spices.

Serge Valentin (84)

This Campbeltowner is part of Douglas Laing's 'Remarkable Regional Malts'. The first batch, at 46.2%, might have been a little difficult, IMHO (as we used to say). Colour: gold. Nose: there's a good amount of spent matches and gunpowder initially, followed by plenty of ground coffee and cake burnt in the oven, with the corresponding carbon smoke. Quite a bit of soot. With water: it becomes friendlier, more lemony, also more maritime, while the gunpowder has almost vanished. Mouth (neat): tinned fruits, leather, and dead leaves, followed by soot, a bit of salt and lemon zest. It's harsh and somewhat austere, but it fits Campbeltown (in a downpour). With water: the same phenomenon as on the nose, it becomes more 'congenial', almost more civilised, but also brinier. Lemon candies and budget tequila with its worm inside (which isn't a worm, but let's move on). Finish: of medium length, with an even more pronounced margarita aspect. A bit of mint and aniseed follow. Comments: I think I enjoy it much more than the first batch of The Gauldron