Review Rock Island – Douglas Laing’s Regional Malts
DRAM1 Awards Panel Edition
Rock Island, part of Douglas Laing’s well-known Regional Malts range, is a blended malt crafted from Islay, Jura, Arran, and Orkney distilleries—designed to deliver a maritime, smoky style without leaning too heavily into the extremes of peat.
Based on over 100 tasting notes from the DRAM1 Awards Tasting Panel, this review distills the community consensus on the whisky’s nose, palate, finish, and overall character.
Stats
Producer: Douglas Laing
Region: Islands
Age: NAS
Whisky Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 46%
Tasting Notes – Rock Island
Nose
The panel consistently identified Rock Island’s nose as smoky, coastal, and medicinal, with many tasters immediately noting classic Islay characteristics such as:
- Iodine, sea spray, ash, hospital notes, bandages, and tar
- BBQ smoke, smoked meat, fireplace embers, speck, campfire, soot
Though peat dominates, several layers of subtle sweetness and fruit were also highlighted:
- Tropical hints (pineapple, citrus, peach, lychee)
- Vanilla, butterscotch, caramel, butter cookies
- Light grain and biscuit notes
- Green apple, lemon zest, pear
Some nosers found farmy, grassy, or earthy accents, including wet hay, silage, rubber, and fresh coastal herbs.
Intensity varied: many described the whisky as light in colour and relatively youthful, while others praised its balanced integration of peat, sweetness, and maritime freshness.
Overall, the DRAM1 Panel characterises the nose as coastal, smoky, medicinal, lightly sweet, and distinctly maritime, with a recognisable Islay fingerprint.
Palate
On the palate, Rock Island delivers a soft, approachable peat profile, less aggressive than heavily-peated single malts but with clear island character. Key consensus notes include:
- Turf smoke, ashy peat, campfire wood, charcoal
- White pepper, citrus zest, salt, and a light mineral edge
- Vanilla, sweet malt, caramel, buttery pastry
- Hints of tobacco, light tar, licorice, anise, and smoky meat
Most tasters described the whisky as:
- Smooth, mildly oily, moderately sweet
- Not overly complex but well-balanced
- Youthful, with a quick or slightly watery mid-palate for some
Several panel members detected ziltiness, marzipan, citrus peel, grapefruit, and peaches, adding brightness to the smoke. Others noted the presence of rubber, leather, or chemical undertones, though these impressions were not universal.
The overall palate impression from the panel is:
light-to-moderate peat, coastal salt, sweetness, and citrus, with a clean maritime profile and a youthful but enjoyable balance.
Finish
The finish was rated medium to medium-long, depending on the taster. Dominant descriptors include:
- Lingering peat smoke, ash, and subtle tar
- Citrus (lemon, lime), white pepper, gentle bitterness
- Light sweetness: vanilla, honey, caramel
- Drying oak, maritime salt, faint medicinal notes
Some noted that the finish fades quicker than expected, with the peat dissipating into subtle citrus and sweetness. Others experienced a pleasantly warming, smoky, peppery finish that held on longer.
In summary:
A clean, smoky, coastal finish with moderate length—approachable but not overpowering.
Food Pairing
Given its maritime smoke and bright citrus-driven sweetness, Rock Island works well with:
- Smoked salmon, oysters, or shellfish
- BBQ pork, charred chicken, or grilled vegetables
- Sharp cheeses (Isle of Mull cheddar, aged Gouda)
- Lemon tart, citrus pastries, or salted caramel desserts
- Roasted nuts, especially smoked almonds
These pairings complement the whisky’s balance of peat, salt, and light sweetness, enhancing its coastal identity.
Verdict
Strengths
- Approachable peat: Soft, balanced smoke ideal for newcomers to smoky whisky.
- Maritime character: Clear salt, iodine, and coastal freshness.
- Sweetness + smoke integration: Vanilla, citrus, and peat blend harmoniously.
- Versatile: Works as both a casual sipper and a pairing whisky.
- Consistently enjoyable: Widely appreciated within the DRAM1 Panel.
Weaknesses
- Youthful edges: Some found it slightly sharp, thin, or lacking depth.
- Not overly complex: Peat-driven but straightforward.
- Occasional off-notes: Rubber, chemical, or farmy elements noted by a minority.
- Middle palate can dip: A common note among tasters describing a brief “hollow” moment.
Final Thoughts
Rock Island stands out as an accessible, maritime, lightly-peated blended malt that captures the essence of Scotland’s island regions without overwhelming the drinker. With ash, iodine, citrus, vanilla sweetness, and coastal salinity, it offers a well-rounded introduction to island peat and a reliable everyday smoky dram.
Based on the 100+ DRAM1 Awards Panel tasting notes, Rock Island is viewed as:
- Enjoyable, balanced, gently smoky
- Coastal and fresh
- Youthful but well-crafted
- Ideal for fans of approachable Islay-style peat
A strong choice for anyone wanting a soft, friendly, maritime peat experience that remains unmistakably Island in character.
