Big Peat Anniversary Edition

Big Peat Anniversary Edition is a blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing, an all Islay vatting with Caol Ila at its core. Big Peat brings together malts from across Islay, Caol Ila among them, for an unapologetically smoky dram.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. Refill American oak let the spirit speak, adding a quiet honeyed note. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. A gentle vanillin sweetness from the oak balances the coastal phenols. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The six tall stills sit behind picture windows looking out to Jura. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland.

Undiluted at 48%, it is powerful. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. Smoke and sea salt see out a long finish. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.