Big Peat Taiwan Exclusive

Big Peat Taiwan Exclusive 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.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. A tired refill cask added little but time, the make speaking clearly. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. A ferry crosses the Sound from Port Askaig to Jura and the mainland. From a small Victorian works it grew into one of Scotland's biggest malt distilleries. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. The warehouses are ranged along the rocky shore at the water's edge. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. Time in oak deepens the oily body while the maritime smoke stays bright.

At 54.1%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. Beneath the smoke run lemon, brine and a peppery oil. Lemon, soft ash and sea salt see it out. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.