This Islay Monster Hits You With Smoke... But the Finish Will Surprise You

Big Peat is an exceptional whisky from Douglas Laing & Co., a renowned independent bottler of top-quality Scotch whiskies. Welcome to the Big Peat Whisky review.

This distinctive blended malt is inspired by the bold, smoky whisky style hence the name. It captures the essence of the whisky and its birthplace, Islay. “Peat” refers to the turf used in production and makes it clear this is no light dram, but a powerful, smoky spirit.

Alongside the classic Big Peat at the heart of this review, Douglas Laing offers a range of unique releases for whisky lovers to explore and enjoy. One example is the “Big Peat Christmas Edition,” an annual limited edition launched especially for the festive season. This release is marked by extra spicy notes of cinnamon and nutmeg, wrapped in a celebratory presentation.

Another standout is the “Big Peat Feis Ile Edition,” released each year during the famed Feis Ile Festival on Islay. This special edition is defined by its exclusivity. The whisky often showcases a unique combination of flavors and cask influences that reflect the spirit of the festival and the distinctive atmosphere of Islay.

It’s been nearly 14 years since Big Peat emerged in Glasgow. When designing the label, the brief to the agency was to draw a burly Islay fisherman. And here’s the result: Big Peat is a rugged fellow just off his boat, on his way to see his wife but in need of a hearty pull of Islay whisky first. Robust and imposing, with a wink of humor.

Taking its cue from that hardy fisherman, brace yourself for a stout, smoky whisky in the glass. The peat stakes its claim in the flavor profile, with a striking thread of sweetness.
The whisky’s fruitiness is remarkable, think sweet red apples drizzled with caramel and roasted over the barbecue.

The mouthfeel is smooth, delivering generous waves of that signature peaty character. Yet it remains an easy sipper without the harsh burn you sometimes get from stronger whiskies.

Big Peat remains a satisfying, full-bodied whisky with a glorious peaty punch, no matter how often you pour a glass. There’s the depth you expect from a blended malt. While a drop of water works nicely, this Douglas Laing is a superb whisky to enjoy neat. It also pairs beautifully with blue cheese.

+ Peat clearly to the fore

+ Robust with sweet fruitiness

- Perhaps not ideal for the absolute beginner