Whisky Names Explained: Scallywag Blended Malt

It’s time once again to level up your whisky knowledge with a Whisky Names Explained! This time, we’re diving into the story behind the name Scallywag Blended Malt.

Scallywag is a whisky from the independent Scottish bottler Douglas Laing & Co. Founder Fred Douglas Laing was driven by a lifelong love and passion for whisky, and in 1948 he brought his dream to life by establishing Douglas Laing & Co. A true family business, it’s now led by Laing’s son and granddaughter. Staying true to their philosophy of presenting whisky as the distiller intended, Douglas Laing & Co. adds nothing, allowing whisky lovers to taste a dram as close as possible to straight from the cask.

That family spirit is also reflected in the name Scallywag Blended Malt. This whisky is named after important family members: the Fox Terriers who were part of the Laing household. 'Scallywag' means rascal, an apt name for dogs celebrated for their affectionate yet delightfully mischievous nature.

The Fox Terrier featured on Scallywag’s packaging isn’t just any dog, but one of the Laing family’s faithful companions. His name was Binks, and he was missing a tooth: an endearing detail captured in his portrait on the label.

Scallywag is a blended Speyside whisky made exclusively with top-tier Speyside malts such as Mortlach, Macallan, and Glenrothes. Matured predominantly in Spanish sherry casks, it delivers “an explosion of rich, dark fruits, chocolate and spices interwoven with vanilla.” According to the Laing family, “Scallywag” is the perfect name for this generously spiced, sweet whisky.

The newest release is the Scallywag Jet Setter Edition, matured 100% in sherry casks for a sweet and fruity profile. Each bottle comes with a premium leather Scallywag luggage tag. The Jet Setter Edition is priced at 60 pounds.