Douglas Laing Big Peat Whisky, 1 x 700ml

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Given peat’s availability (it is found worldwide, largely in the top of the northern hemisphere through North America, Russia and Northern Europe, with a very large concentration in Scotland), it made for a reliable and easily procured source of fuel before coal and other options made their way to Islay from Glasgow hundreds of years ago. This bottle was opened on May 22, 2016, at the Ontario summit. Even so, it was about 70% full when I gassed it and it has stayed closed since then as far as I am aware. According to the label it is not chill-filtered. The etched batch marking on the bottle is L02 03 15 // 7 08:17 BB

Frankly, I don’t know what to make of the finish. There are some strange elements here that I’ve never tasted in a whisky, like a combination of plastic and mildly sweet fruit (cantaloupe or muskmelon), along with some burned maple syrup. Nothing in the nose or on the tongue led me to expect this. The peat is still there, but it’s been demoted from A-list star to ensemble player. Neat – Slightly thin mouthfeel. I would have expected it to be oilier given the nose. Sweet, some chocolate, then hit with peat on the development. Not very complex, but quite smooth (neutral descriptive comment, not an endorsement) and pleasant. 22/25

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Conclusion: This is one hell of a whisky. I've tasted over 40 different bottles in my short Scotch experience and this one is definitely in my top 5. A total must for Islay fans. Big Peat with other Douglas Laing & Co bottlings /Photo Credit: Douglas Laing & Co Distiller: What gives you more satisfaction: finding a gem of a single cask landing on the right recipe for a blended malt? The smoke from the burning peat imparts a distinct flavour upon the grains, which finds its way into the final liquid, much to the joy of most peaty scotch lovers (and the chagrin of a few).

Let's talk about the whisky. It has opened up and was indeed very good. The Big Peat is a blended malt or vatted malt from Douglas Laing. They blend several Islay Single Malt together from the casks they don't want to bottled as a single malt. There is even some Port Ellen in it apparently. So for people that doesn't know, it is not a blended whisky as there is no grain whisky in it. It is made from single malts only, but they are from different distilleries. It is called a blended malt. Whiskybase B.V. (“Whiskybase”, “we” or “us”, company details below) offers a whisky enthusiasts online platform that provides its members access to the most comprehensive, transparent and trusted resource of whisky bottles and allows and stimulates its members to contribute information about whisky bottles to the platform (“Service”). Each distillery's contribution to Big Peat is carefully selected to create a harmonious profile that showcases the peaty, maritime qualities that Islay whiskies are celebrated for. The blend is non-chill filtered and typically bottled at 46% ABV, although special editions and cask strength versions have also been released, offering a more intense experience for peat enthusiasts.Palate: Peat (duh). I’ll go so far as to say this is the most well-rounded peat taste I’ve experienced. It’s just the right balance of smoky and sweet, medicinal and earthy. Give this to a newbie who wants to taste what peat is all about. Unlike Ardbeg 10 yo, it’s not like a sudden plunge into the deep end of the peat pool. Its balance should satisfy peat lovers, yet it won’t scare away the rookies.

This year’s Fèis Ìle, which runs May 27 through June 4, will be held in person for the first time since 2020. Lagavulin and Caol Ila also have announced special bottlings for the festival. Big Peat Beach BBQ Edition Tasting Notes via the Brand Big Peat is a remarkable marriage of Malt Whiskies only from the island of Islay. He is, of course, proudly without colouring or chill-filtration and bottled at high alcohol strength (46%), resulting in a naturally oily spirit that promises an incredible mouth-feel. No partnership, joint venture, agency, or employment relationship is created as a result of your use of the Service.

Big Peat has received numerous accolades over the years, reflecting its success in encapsulating the spirit of Islay malts. Its seasonal releases, particularly the Christmas editions, have become a tradition for fans, each offering a unique take on the classic Big Peat profile, often at cask strength for added depth and intensity.