Big Peat The European Football Edition

Big Peat The European Football 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. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the make lead. A slow maturation in the cool island air keeps the spirit fresh and oily. Cool, damp warehousing slows the loss of the angel's share over the years. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Tall stills and a clean cut give the spirit its oily, lemony lightness. Long fermentations build the fruity, citrus notes that sit beneath the smoke. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

At 53.3% 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. Lemon, olive oil and a soft ash run through the middle. The close is long, smoke over a citrus lift. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.