I can’t say I’m in a Christmas mood, yet this 2016 limited edition of Big Peat has been available for a while now. It is the 6th release for the holiday season. I tried the 2013 edition as well, let’s see how this compares.
Although traditionally Big Peat primarily contains whiskies from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and Port Ellen, this one contains malt from all active distilleries on Islay plus the long-closed Port Ellen of course.
On the tin we sea a red-and-white version of Pig Peat, with 9 Christmas stockings hanging from his fireplace, representing the 9 distilleries included in this vatting.
Big Peat Christmas Edition (54,6%, Douglas Laing 2016, 15.000 btl.)
Big Peat Christmas Edition (54,6%, Douglas Laing 2016, 15.000 btl.)Nose: we can’t say the added distilleries brought something new to the table. The youthful side is clear, lots of smoked porridge, oysters, lime and pickled gherkins. Mezcal. Smoky pears. A little honeysuckle.
Mouth: peat smoke, sweet barley and oats, with a little coal tar soap and honey. Some peppery notes and a medicinal side. Vanilla. A bit rough maybe, but lots of oomph.
Finish: long, ashy, tarry, with a light pear sweetness again.
Very chiselled with plenty of big peat indeed. Peatheads will love this, despite (or because) it is young and fierce. Available for around € 70.
Score: 84/100