Beinn Dubh Ruby Black Flying Scot 50mL

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The Beinn Dubh Ruby Black Flying Scotsman is supposedly produced without adding E150 “caramel colouring”, which given the hue of the whisky is an impressive feat. I will let the producer discuss the origins of the wood which flavours and colours the whisky:

“Tanoaria Josafer Lda are experts in the art of cooperage and supply the Ruby Port from the Douro Valley in Portugal, which produce ‘Vinho do Porto’. It is these casks which give Beinn Dubh its unique Ruby Black colour. Our whisky is matured in charred casks to produce a unique “ruby black” toasted whisky with a dark rich ruby colour and a unique chocolatey flavour. The casks used for finishing have been drained of any liquid prior to use and any changes in our spirit will therefore result from its interaction over time with the wood of the case.”

The Bein Dubh was featured on Day 15 of our 2019 KWM Whisky Advent Calendar.

Andrew’s Tasting Note

Nose: chocolate and treacle; Sunrype fruit bars, Fruit by the Foot, burnt molasses and fudge; very muted for the colour.

Palate: over the top sweet and fruity upfront; Christmas cake, more chocolate fudge, Fruit by the Foot and Sunrype fruit bars; leathery, spicy and oily with more burnt molasses and treacle.

Finish: light and short considering its massive upfront profile; fading, but not unpleasant.

Comment: there is a market for this style of whisky, but full disclosure this is not to my taste; it is an interesting inclusion in the Calendar, but would we stock it in the shop, likely not.

Evan’s Tasting Note

Nose: grenadine syrup, Dr. Pepper, maraschino cherries, Twizzlers, candied oranges, Dutch licorice, cherry cough syrup, oven-baked beet chips, and somehow a bit of malt survives under all of the candy and syrup notes.

Palate: it has an… interesting texture to it. Maybe the colour is just faking me out but it sure comes off like flat soda on the tongue. Molasses syrup, cherry and mint chewing gum,  some earthy spices, pepper, nutmeg and even some saltiness in there as well. Like eating teriyaki flavoured beef jerky and a fruit rollup at the same time.

Finish: fuzzy with saline and slightly cloying with a touch fruit roll-up. More texture than flavour-driven on the finish.

Comments: This is what happens when you let your five-year-old child get behind the bar and mix their own Roy Rogers: they come back with a glass stuffed to the brim consisting of 1/2 grenadine, 1/3 maraschino cherries, and 1/3 Coca-Cola with just a touch of fruit juice. Yes, I know that doesn’t add up, but this is a five-year-old we are talking about. Check their pockets and confiscate those extra cocktail sabres they pilfered.

50 ml