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Big Peat Islay Blended Malt (Douglas Laing)

Big Peat Islay Blended Malt (Douglas Laing)

8.2 /10
EDITOR
Distillery: Douglas Laing
Type: Blended Malt
ABV: 46%
Price: £42

Tasting Notes

Nose

Dominated by peat — lots of peat. An earthy, sea-salt quality. The combination of four Islay distilleries creates genuine complexity within the smoke. Bonfire, iodine, a coastal freshness.

Palate

Gently relaxes on the tongue with syrup-like texture, then takes on spicy, earthy notes of ash and black peppercorn. Smoky peat — exemplified by Islay but more subdued than individual distilleries. No alcohol heat at 46%.

Finish

Long and lingering — salty, tangy liquorice, smoke, bonfire ashes. A phenolic quality sustains. The peat lingers magnificently.

Big Peat is Douglas Laing's all-Islay blended malt — combining single malts from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and the legendary closed distillery Port Ellen. At 46%, without chill filtration or added colour, it presents Islay's peated character through the lens of multiple distilleries.

The four-distillery combination creates something greater than any single source. Caol Ila brings sweetness, Ardbeg contributes medicinal earthiness, Port Ellen adds elegance, and Bowmore provides balance. The blending creates an Islay whisky that is more complete and nuanced than many single distillery bottlings.

Big Peat won the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010, and the quality has remained consistent. At 46%, it goes down remarkably smoothly — no water needed. For Islay fans, Big Peat is an essential bottle. For peat newcomers, it is the ideal introduction to the island's smoky identity. One of Scotland's finest blended malts.

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Duncan Cairns
Duncan Cairns
Senior Whisky Reviewer

Duncan has spent two decades judging Scotch whisky at competitions from the International Wine & Spirit Competition to the World Whiskies Awards, developing a palate that prizes balance and terroir ab...

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