Big Peat The Gall & Gall Edition

Big Peat The Gall & Gall Edition is a blended malt Scotch from Douglas Laing, an all Islay vatting with Caol Ila at its core. The Big Peat label gathers Islay malts into one peaty vatting, with the cartoon fisherman on the front.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. A fresh bourbon barrel lent vanilla, coconut and a fuller body. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay. Water falls to the distillery from Loch nam Ban in the hills above. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. Refill oak lets the maritime peat and lemon of the spirit lead the way. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island.

At 50% 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. A maritime salt and a lemon lift run through it. A long, coastal finish carries a peaty warmth. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.