Home / Whiskey / Big Peat (Douglas Laing)

8.7

Big Peat (Douglas Laing)

Name: Big Peat (Douglas Laing)
Brand: Big Peat (Douglas Laing)

Scotland Malt Score: 8.7/10

Big Peat (Douglas Laing) is a highly acclaimed Malt whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 8.7/10, it features distinctive notes of Brine, Caramel, Cinnamon. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking malt expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

Big Peat is a beloved peated blended malt whisky from the renowned independent bottler Douglas Laing. Known for its bold and smoky character, Big Peat is a marriage of single malts from Islay, the famed Scotch whisky-producing island in Scotland. The whisky blends malts from distilleries such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Bowmore, and Caol Ila, among others, which are all known for their heavily peated profiles. The result is a whisky that is unapologetically smoky, with rich, earthy flavors that appeal to peat lovers and aficionados of Islay whisky. Big Peat is an unchill-filtered whisky, which means it retains its full character, offering a more robust and intense flavor. It’s bottled at a high strength, which enhances its boldness, making it a full-bodied whisky that is rich in both flavor and texture. The whisky's vibrant smoky character is complemented by hints of maritime brine and medicinal notes typical of Islay whiskies, with a touch of sweetness and fruit to provide balance.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose of Big Peat is instantly recognizable with its powerful, smoky aroma. The peat smoke is the star of the show, with the scent of a smoldering bonfire, charred wood, and earthy, medicinal notes. There’s a maritime quality to the nose, with a briny sea breeze mixed with hints of seaweed and salt. Beneath the peat, there’s a layer of sweetness, with subtle aromas of honey, caramel, and dried fruits such as apricots and raisins. A touch of vanilla and citrus adds a delicate contrast to the bold peat profile.

TASTE: On the palate, Big Peat is full-bodied and intense, delivering a wave of peat smoke that fills the mouth. The smoky flavors are robust and earthy, with the charred wood and brine continuing from the nose. There’s a slight medicinal quality, with a touch of iodine and band-aid notes that add to the authenticity of the Islay experience. Amid the peat, there’s a sweetness that balances the smoke, with flavors of honey, toffee, and a touch of dried fruit, such as figs and raisins. A slight spice lingers, with pepper and a hint of cinnamon adding warmth to the whisky’s bold character.

FINISH: The finish of Big Peat is long and smoky, with the peat continuing to dominate the aftertaste. The briny, maritime notes fade slowly, leaving behind a lingering warmth. The sweetness of honey and dried fruit persists in the background, while the oak and subtle spice add depth. The finish is satisfying and complex, with the peat taking center stage but with enough balance to keep the other flavors from being overwhelmed.

Flavor Profile

Brine Caramel Cinnamon Dried Honey Iodine Oak Peat Pepper Salt Seaweed Smoke Toffee Vanilla

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 (Douglas Laing)

What type of whiskey is Big Peat (Douglas Laing)?

Big Peat (Douglas Laing) is a Malt whiskey from Scotland. This type is known for its distinctive characteristics and unique production process.

How should I taste Big Peat (Douglas Laing)?

For the best tasting experience, pour Big Peat (Douglas Laing) 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 (Douglas Laing)?

Big Peat (Douglas Laing) 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 (Douglas Laing)?

The flavor profile of Big Peat (Douglas Laing) features Brine, Caramel, Cinnamon, Dried, Honey. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.