Rock Oyster limited edition completes series releases

A whisky firm is to release an expression to mark National Oyster Day.

Douglas Laing & Co has announced the release of Cask Strength Rock Oyster Limited Edition Island Malt Scotch Whisky, the conclusion of a two-part series, Rock Oyster Cask Strength #2 is exclusively matured in American oak and bottled at 56.1% alcohol.

Rock Oyster was first brought to market in 2015, a small batch bottling created from maritime malts, including those distilled on the islands of Islay, Arran, Jura and Orkney.

Since then, the brand has filled an enviable trophy cabinet, with a Gold Medal from the New York International Spirits Competition under its belt, and the ultimate accolade – the Master Award – for Rock Oyster 18 Years Old from the Scotch Whisky Masters most recently.

Limited edition releases within the range have proven popular the world over; alongside the first Cask Strength release and Rock Oyster 18 Years Old, Rock Oyster Sherry Limited Edition was unveiled in 2017.

The new Cask Strength release is said to deliver ‘flambéed orange peel, rich earthiness, puffs of drifting peat smoke and salty tang’ on the palate and, in classic Douglas Laing style, the maritime ,alt is assuredly offered without colouring or chill-filtration, reportedly ensuring that the Scotch Whisky is truly as natural as it gets.

Chris Leggat, chief executive officer at the family business, said: ‘It’s been two years since the launch of Rock Oyster Cask Strength and we’re delighted to now respond to customer demand with this new limited release. It’s true what they say – calm seas never made skilled sailors – nor did they make monstrously maritime whiskies!

‘This is a spectacularly stormy, rich and earthy dram that fans of Rock Oyster’s coastal spirit will undoubtedly relish. A perfectly peated dram to pair with shellfish on National Oyster Day!’

Douglas Laing’s Rock Oyster Cask Strength Limited Edition #2 will be available from specialist whisky retailers from this month, at an expected retail price of £49.99. Just 8400 bottles are available.

Douglas Laing & Co is a Scotch Whisky blender and bottler specialising in the selection and release of single cask single and small batch malt Scotch whiskies.

The company was founded by Fred Douglas Laing in 1948 and is still owned and run by the Laing family – Fred Laing Jr and his daughter Cara Laing.