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Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%

Name: Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%
Brand: Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%

Scotland Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Score: 9.3/10

Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9% is a highly acclaimed Blended Malt Scotch Whisky whiskey crafted in Scotland. With an impressive rating of 9.3/10, it features distinctive notes of Brine, Caramel, Cinnamon. Perfect for whiskey enthusiasts seeking blended malt scotch whisky expressions from Scotland.

About This Whiskey

Douglas Laing's Big Peat Christmas 2013 edition is a festive release in their renowned Big Peat series. A cask-strength blended malt whisky, it’s crafted from a selection of Islay's finest single malts, known for their bold peat and smokiness. This particular version is a special release for the holiday season, offering a high-proof whisky at 54.9% ABV, which brings out even more intense flavors of peat and smoke, making it a robust and highly enjoyable dram for peat lovers. With its rich and smoky characteristics, it’s the perfect whisky for the winter season, with a festive, warming finish.

Tasting Notes

NOSE: The nose is immediately striking, with a powerful waft of peat smoke. There’s a deep, maritime quality with hints of brine and seaweed, reminiscent of an Islay beach on a stormy day. A sweet underlying note of vanilla and caramel balances out the smokiness, offering a touch of richness and depth. As it opens, there’s an intriguing layer of dried fruit, with raisins and figs giving it a slight sweetness. A subtle hint of spice – cinnamon and a touch of clove – adds complexity to the aromatic profile. Overall, the nose is a harmonious mix of coastal, smoky, and sweet elements.

TASTE: On the palate, Big Peat Christmas 2013 is bold and assertive, showcasing its cask strength. The peat smoke takes center stage, with a heavy, rich smokiness that envelops the tongue. There are earthy flavors of damp wood, charred embers, and tar, making it a distinctly peaty experience. Underneath the peat, however, there’s a sweetness that emerges – think of honeyed toffee and a touch of dark chocolate. The whisky has a creamy mouthfeel, with the sweetness of dried fruit – raisins, sultanas, and even a hint of candied orange – adding a complexity to the flavor profile. The influence of Islay malt shines through, with a subtle saltiness and medicinal tang that provide a grounding contrast to the sweetness and peat.

FINISH: The finish is long and smoky, with the peat continuing to linger on the palate. There’s a slight bitterness from the oak, balancing out the rich sweetness of the fruit and toffee. The maritime flavors return, with a touch of brine and seaweed giving it a slightly salty edge. The warmth from the higher ABV provides a comforting sensation, making the finish feel rich and satisfying. It’s a lingering, smoky, and slightly spicy finish that leaves a lasting impression of Islay’s coastal charm. Overall, Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013 is a bold, festive dram that celebrates the quintessential qualities of Islay whisky. Its intense peat smoke, rich sweetness, and maritime flavors make it a truly memorable release. This limited-edition whisky is a must-try for fans of smoky, cask-strength drams, especially those who appreciate the boldness and complexity that comes with Islay malts.

Flavor Profile

Brine Caramel Cinnamon Clove Dark Chocolate Dried Honey Oak Orange Peat Salt Seaweed Smoke Sultana Toffee Vanilla

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User Reviews

Frequently Asked Questions About Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%

What type of whiskey is Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%?

Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9% 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 Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%?

For the best tasting experience, pour Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9% 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 Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%?

Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9% 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 Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9%?

The flavor profile of Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas 2013, 54.9% features Brine, Caramel, Cinnamon, Clove, Dark Chocolate. These flavors create a complex and layered tasting experience that has been highly praised by critics and enthusiasts alike.

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Affinity

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