Proud to introduce to you: Dubhghlas Distillery
Laura and Cees Stravers are two Dutch whisky enthusiasts that I have met many times in my days as (board) member of the Usquebaugh Society. If memory serves me well, they live a life at sea, interrupted by stretches of time on land. They have taken the step many whisky enthusiasts dream about, but probably will never do: Cees and Laura started distilling! Their output has reached an age that they feel confident with, and released a few casks. They kindly gave me three samples, which we will taste today.
The Dubhghlas Distillery is located in the little Dutch village Zwartsluis, through which the “Black Water” runs, a little river that eventually ends up in the “Black Lake”. Hence the Scottish Gaelic inspired name for the operation. Cees and Laura pride themselves in being totally green in their whisky making. You should check their website to see the stills that were converted from scrap material of a boiler. Already used to making beer AND distilling sea water into drinking water for their work, it was only logical that whisky would come into play. They found confidence in letting industry specialists taste their new make, and off they went.
The first releases are bottled under the name “Wetland Single Malt Dutch Whisky”, all nicknamed “Peatsie”, which probably gives away what we are going to taste. Cees sent me an e-mail to introduce the three samples: ‘All three are made with malted barley peated to 50 ppm. It does not carry the medicinal character of Islay peat however, as our peating was done at a maltster on the east coast of Scotland. The high abv is caused by the fact our angels like to drink water instead of alcohol. We decided to release all casks at their strength as it came out of the wood, because in our philosophy you can always add water the way you like to. Our whiskies are not chill-filtered and the colour is natural.’
We will just dive in then, won’t we? More details gathered at the notes itself.
Dubhghlas 3 years old – Peatsie Palo Cortado, bottled at 62,8 % abv
First things first: Cask 32WM230125 was a first fill Palo Cortado Quarter Cask, with whisky distilled on 25 January 2023 and bottled on 4 August 2026. Only 138 bottles were released.
Upon Sipping: My first impression is that the Palo Cortado speaks volumes, and it was a very good sherry cask, this one! The peat smoke is only subtle on the nose (undiluted), playing a serviceable role to the cask and spirit. Taking a sip, it sure is a challenge to drink this Dubhghlas at full power, but it does release an explosion of tastes, in short: a beautiful mix between the wood and the peat. It is mostly forward on ashes and herbs. The finish is warming and long; probably very welcome on cold nights on the waves of any sea. Cees and Laura put their soul into this. Alright, let us try it with water then. The smell is more minty now, not uncommon in young peated whisky, nor in whisky from a quarter cask. Having said that, the whisky is never anywhere near too woody. Good balance overall. The spirit is very clean and supple in the mouth, but the taste does not change all that much. Good ashes, nice notes of dark chocolate, bitter herbs. A little reminiscent of Burnobennie whisky, I have to say, go check my article. Anyway, the Dubhghlas swims very well, but I do suggest not to put in too much water, as it might put out the fire of the peat a little too much. If you do, however, you will pick up a welcome floral note that provides just that little bit more depth.
Word to the Wise: A good introduction to whisky from Dubhglas Distillery, as the elements are all very well known: peat, quarter cask, sherry wood. It works like a charm and displays a decent maturity already. The peat is very well integrated. Good stuff!
Score: 83 points.
Dubhghlas 3 years old – Peatsie Ruby Port , bottled at 62,58 % abv
First things first: Cask 36WM2300202 was a first fill Ruby Port Quarter Cask, with whisky distilled on 2 February 2023 and bottled on 4 August 2026. Only 135 bottles were released.
Upon Sipping: Ah yes, the big difference with the Palo Cortado is that this Dubhghlas shines with a lot more fruity notes. Beautiful red berries, the Ruby Port doing its job but adding something extra to enjoy while nosing. It blooms open quite lively if you give it enough time. Taking a sip is also easier compared to the previous sample. Still, the heat leaves little room for nuance. For now, I must mention a good deal of liquorice, making this indeed a very Dutch whisky! The peat ashes are a bit overwhelmed by the cask, but to me that feels fine. You can definitely notice it, just with a twist. After adding some water, I swirl the glass around. It is remarkable how clean and elegant the spirit is. (People who know my preference will know that I will now beg Cees and Laura for a bourbon cask release. Please?) The water gives power to the peat influence, but mixed with a delicate flowery note. The fruits have grown in power on the palate too. Okay, maybe the Port is a bit too loud, but it also masks the possible inefficiencies of youth in this Dubhghlas.
Word to the Wise: I can see why this cask was deemed ready for release. The Ruby Port is loud but it seems to work just fine, maybe at the cost of some character from the stills. Something to balance out, but all in all I enjoyed this Peatsie better than the Palo Cortado.
Score: 84 points.
Dubhghlas 3 years old – Peatsie Tawny Port , bottled at 62,47 % abv
First things first: Cask 37WM230202 was a first fill Tawny Port Quarter Cask, with whisky distilled on 2 February 2023 and bottled on 4 August 2026. Only 141 bottles were released.
Upon Sipping: Very similar to the Ruby Port version, but this expression reminds me more of a Madeira influenced whisky now, or maybe even Manzanilla. Just a hint of balsamico to make it stand out in comparison. Again, the peat is subdued a bit too much. On my third sample, at least the high abv does not bother me anymore, so that might make me say this is the best of the three to drink neat. The fruity is balanced with a sharper vinegar note. Still looking for the peat, so let’s add some water. The nose is very expressive with port notes, this is a very bright and upbeat whisky. On the tongue, there is now a little herbal presence and the same liquorice we found in the Ruby. Also, some tree bark. Interesting to taste all three Dubhglas Peatsie releases together, as each cask offers something interesting and different from the next. I will repeat: I look forward to a straightforward release, on bourbon. That this whisky can dance excellently with quite strong-willed casks, is proven. Curious about the spirit itself though.
Word to the Wise: Not much to add on the words I have spoken about the Ruby Port. The Tawny Port is equally loud but it works.
Score: 84 points.