Big Peat The Taiwan Edition

Big Peat The Taiwan Edition is a blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing, an all Islay vatting with Caol Ila at its core. Big Peat marries Islay single malts into a big, smoky whole, its cartoon fisherman a shelf favourite.

Caol Ila's elegant smoke gives the blend its coastal, citrus edge. An American oak hogshead added vanilla and a light toffee. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness.

At a full 53.4% it is bold and oily. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. Smoked lemon and sea salt build over an oily body. A long, briny finish ends on lemon and soft smoke. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.