Maker: Douglas Laing, Glasgow, Scotland, UK
Distilleries: Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg, Port Ellen, Islay, Argyll & Bute, Scotland, UK
Region: Islay.
Style: Blended Malt
Note: No color or chill-filtering.
ABV: 46%
Michigan state minimum: $70 ($60 at Binny’s)
Appearance: Pale straw.
Nose: Anti-septic, peat, vanilla, tar.
Palate: Full-bodied and creamy. Peat, creme brulee, smoke, leather, alcohol, lemon juice.
Finish: Big smoke, fading into amaretto.
Parting words: Big Peat was Laing’s breakthrough blended malt and it remains the blender’s flagship. There’s even an annual Big Peat Christmas edition at 53%. It’s even harder to find than the regular Peat!
If ever a name summed up the taste of a whisky, it’s Big Peat. Peat is the dominant aroma and taste by a long shot but judicious blending has resulted in strong supporting roles from smoke, lemon and cream. It’s probably worth $70, but it tastes even better at $60. Big Peat is recommended.
Sipology 