Home / Whiskey / Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%

Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%

Scotland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Score: 9/10

Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1% is a highly acclaimed Blended Malt Scotch Whisky whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 9/10, it features distinctive notes of Caramel, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking blended malt scotch whisky expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

The Big Peat Christmas 2020 Edition is a festive release that blends a selection of Islay whiskies from some of the island's most iconic distilleries, such as Ardbeg, Bowmore, and Caol Ila. Known for its extreme peat levels, this whisky delivers that signature smoky character while introducing festive and rich flavors, making it a perfect choice for the holiday season. The higher ABV of 53.1% ensures an intense, robust flavor profile, while the whisky’s careful blending creates a smooth yet powerful experience.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose of Big Peat Christmas 2020 is immediately vibrant with smoky peat, which is characteristic of the Big Peat range. There’s a wonderful richness that balances out the intense peat, with layers of sweet malt, vanilla, and a hint of caramel. The maritime character of Islay comes through with notes of sea salt, iodine, and the fresh breeze of seaweed. A subtle sweetness from dried fruits, including figs and raisins, adds a holiday feel, along with a faint touch of chocolate and toasted nuts. A slight woodiness from the casks rounds off the nose, adding further complexity to the aromatic profile.

TASTE: On the palate, Big Peat Christmas 2020 delivers a powerful punch of peat smoke, full of earthy and medicinal qualities—think smoky embers and a hint of burnt wood. However, there’s a surprising smoothness to it as well, with the sweet fruitiness of raisins, sultanas, and a touch of orange zest providing balance. The richness of vanilla, toffee, and a light spiciness from cinnamon and nutmeg adds warmth and depth to the flavor. A slight creaminess coats the mouth, with a touch of dried fruit cake, making this whisky a perfect holiday sip.

FINISH: The finish is long and warming, with the peat smoke lingering on the palate in a satisfying way. The maritime flavors, with a salty tang, remain, and there’s a hint of medicinal iodine that adds to the characteristic Islay feel. The sweetness from the dried fruit and vanilla carries through, with a final touch of oak, warming spice, and a light bitterness of dark chocolate. The finish is complex and continues to evolve, leaving behind a lasting impression of smoke, sweetness, and spice.

Flavor Profile

Caramel Cinnamon Dark Chocolate Dried Iodine Nutmeg Oak Oats Orange Peat Salt Seaweed Smoke Sultana Toast Toffee Vanilla Zest

Similar Whiskeys

Macallan 10yo Full Proof 57% 1980 (OB, Giovinetti & Figli)

Ledaig 42yo Dusgadh

Laphroaig 27yo 57.4% 1980-2007 (OB, 5 Oloroso Casks, 972 Bts)

Glenfarclas 40yo

Amrut Spectrum (Batch 1)

Glengoyne 25yo

Highland Park 25yo

Highland Park 40yo

Tamdhu 30yo (MacPhail Collection 2009)

Balvenie TUN 1401 (all batches)

Kavalan Solist Oloroso Sherry Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 33)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 37)

Highland Park 30yo

Laphroaig 25yo

Nikka Single Cask Coffey Malt 12yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 40)

Yamazaki 18yo

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 49)

Redbreast 21yo

Yamazaki Sherry Cask (all vintages)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 56)

Bruichladdich 21yo Cuvée 407 PX

Compass Box Last Vatted Malt

Amrut Greedy Angels (8yo and 10yo)

BenRiach 18yo Albariza Pedro Ximenez Peated

Amrut Spectrum (all batches)

Bowmore Springtide

Highland Park 16yo Odin

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 1)

Kavalan Solist Vinho Barrique

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 53)

GlenDronach Cask Strength (batch 2)

Macallan Cask Strength

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 39)

Highland Park 18yo

Karuizawa 1990 Sherry Butt

Kavalan Solist PX Cask

Sheep Dip Old Hebridean 1990 Blended Malt

Timorous Beastie 21yo Sherry Edition

Amrut Spectrum 004 (Batch 2)

GlenDronach vintage 20yo Single Cask (all vintages)

Kavalan Solist Manzanilla Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 44)

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 52)

Kavalan Solist Amontillado Cask

Aberlour A'Bunadh (Batch 35)

BenRiach 17yo Solstice Peated Port (both editions)

Benromach 10yo Cask Strength (100 proof)

Highland Park 17yo The Dark

User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%

What type of whiskey is Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%?

Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1% is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1% into a tulip-shaped glass and let it rest for a few minutes. Start by nosing the whiskey to appreciate its aromatic complexity. Take small sips and let the whiskey coat your palate. You may want to add a few drops of water to open up the flavors. We recommend enjoying it neat to fully appreciate its character.

What foods pair well with Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%?

Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1% pairs excellently with smoked salmon, oysters, and strong cheeses. The smoky character matches beautifully with seafood and robust flavors.

What are the main flavor notes in Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1%?

The flavor profile of Big Peat Christmas (2020 Edition), 53.1% features Caramel, Cinnamon, Dark Chocolate, Dried, Iodine. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.

Cocktails with Scotch

Affinity

Balmoral

Dry Rob Roy

Flying Scotchman

Godfather

Highland Fling Cocktail

Irish Cream

Loch Lomond

Penicillin

Rusty Nail

Scotch Sour

Thriller

Whisky Mac