Double Barrel consists of two iconic single malts - Laphroaig and Macallan.
Douglas Laing & Co have selected only one cask of each and then vatted these together. The Double Barrel is definitely an interesting whisky and an interesting experiment.
Douglas Laing
Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co are independent bottlers and blenders headed by brothers, Fred and Stewart Laing, succeeding their father, Fred Douglas who founded the company in 1948. Their highly-rated ranges now regularly features blends up to 25 years old, using the original blend specifications handed down to them.
Appearance
The colour of this Double Barrel is light gold.
Nose
The nose is light, fresh and vibrant. There is a lot of pungent smoke, although there is also an astringent bitter element to this as well. There is also some vanilla, malty cereal grains and a fruity sweetness, although these struggle through the smoky elements and you have to work hard to get them.
Palate
On the palate, the smokiness is the predominant feature. There is some saltiness and bitterness. Other subtle elements are present, vanilla, honey, buttery and baked, and a hint of dried fruit. Add to this some raw spirit (this indicates that at least one of the two whiskies present is on the young side) and you have an interesting but ultimately unbalanced and zingy palate.
Finish
The finish is sharp and spirity with a lot of alcohol burn. An intriguing combination the Laphroaig, comes out on top in the ensuing flavour tussle.
