Big Peat Hualien Taroko Taiwan Exclusive

Big Peat Hualien Taroko Taiwan Exclusive 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.

The Caol Ila within lends a clean, lemony Islay smoke rather than a heavy tarry one. A refill hogshead held it quietly, the spirit left to lead. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. Caol Ila's smoke leans to lemon, olive oil and brine rather than tar or iodine. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. Smoked citrus and a saline minerality are the hallmarks of the make.

At 49.1%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. The texture is oily, the smoke threaded with citrus. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.