Douglas Laing Unveils Scallywag 18 Year Old Malt Scotch Whisky

What happens when Scallywag grows up and spends its final years in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks? Just 2,610 bottles reveal the answer.
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Douglas Laing Unveils Scallywag 18 Year Old Malt Scotch Whisky
Credit: Douglas Laing & Co.

Independent Scotch whisky specialist Douglas Laing & Co. has released Scallywag 18-Year-Old, a limited-edition Speyside malt finished in Pedro Ximénez sherry casks from Jerez in southern Spain. The bottling is limited to just 2,610 bottles available globally, with a suggested retail price of £85.00.

The release represents the oldest expression to date in the Scallywag range, a blended malt brand known for its sherried Speyside character. Bottled at 46% ABV, the whisky spent its final years of maturation in Pedro Ximénez casks sourced from Andalusia.

Pedro Ximénez sherry casks are prized in the Scotch whisky industry for imparting deep sweetness and complexity. The cask type complements Scallywag’s established sherried profile while adding further layers of richness.

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Scott Morrison, senior brand manager at Douglas Laing & Co., said: “This 18-Year-Old release is a special milestone for Scallywag. The extended maturation, combined with a luxurious Pedro Ximénez sherry cask finish, brings remarkable richness and depth, offering whisky lovers the opportunity to experience a more mature and indulgent side of the brand.”

Official tasting notes from the brand describe opulent notes of dark chocolate truffles, spiced orange peel, and toasted walnuts on the palate. These unfold into treacle toffee and black cherries, with a warming whisper of cinnamon. A lingering finish brings oak spice, espresso, and dried figs.

The limited run of 2,610 bottles is positioned as a rare opportunity for collectors and whisky enthusiasts. Scallywag 18-Year-Old will be available through select whisky specialists and premium retailers worldwide.

Douglas Laing & Co. is a family-owned, Glasgow-based independent bottler now in its fourth generation of ownership. The company’s portfolio includes a range of blended malt brands organized by Scotch whisky region, with Scallywag representing Speyside alongside siblings such as Big Peat for Islay and Rock Island for the Islands.

The broader Scallywag range has built a following for its approachable, sherry-forward style. The addition of an 18-year-old expression signals the brand’s ambition to compete at a more premium tier within the blended malt category.

Phil Dwyer

Phil Dwyer is a freelance whisky writer and consultant. With a decade of experience in whisky retail and nearly as long running Whisky Wednesday on YouTube, Phil is dedicated to sharing his knowledge and enthusiasm with fellow whisky lovers. His goal is to make whisky accessible and enjoyable, dispelling the jargon and complexity that can sometimes surround the spirit. In addition to his online presence, Phil managed The Whisky Shop Manchester, where he curated an impressive selection of some of the finest drams available.

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