Big Peat Feis Ile 2019

Big Peat Feis Ile 2019 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.

The Caol Ila within lends a clean, lemony Islay smoke rather than a heavy tarry one. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. Active wood frames the smoke without smothering the citrus beneath. The clean, lemony smoke has made it a favourite of blenders for generations. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. The peat here is medium rather than heavy, so fruit and smoke share the glass.

At 48% without water it is rich and full. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. The oily body carries the smoke long and clean. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.