Big Peat Small Batch Release - Douglas Laing
You might think the glass is empty - that's how transparent the Big Peat Small Batch Release from Douglas Laing's is. But don't be fooled! But waiting in this glass is an exciting Islay experience.
Tasting Notes
Nose
The first impression? Smoke. And then more smoke. It's as if a strong sea breeze is blowing directly from a smoking fisherman's hut. But beneath this intense blanket of smoke lurk subtle notes of iodine and lemon, which give the Big Peat an exciting depth. A hint of vanilla and salt mingles underneath, followed by an unusual note reminiscent of parsnip puree - unusual, but fascinating.
Palate
This whisky is like a sip of pure Islay. Oily and full-bodied, it lies on the tongue and unfolds a phenolic note that is strongly reminiscent of plasters and an idea of a rubber band. This may sound off-putting at first glance, but don't worry - it harmonises perfectly. Buttery flavours, combined with a hint of grass and vanilla ice cream, give the Big Peat a pleasant sweetness. This is joined by an unexpectedly gentle note of sweet leather, which adds an extra dimension to the whisky.
Finish
The finish is long, lingering and as smoky as you would expect from a real Islay whisky. Sea salt and a fresh breeze, as it blows on a rocky cliff, make the farewell to this whisky an intense experience. A hint of burnt toast remains as a final memory.
Thoughts
Marcel 72/100
Big Peat Small Batch is like a smoky adventure by the sea – wild, powerful, yet surprisingly approachable. This whisky delivers genuine Islay character in the glass without any rough edges to get in the way. A clear recommendation for fans of maritime dram moments!
Sascha 78/100
This Big Peat impresses with its balanced interplay between intense phenolic notes and a subtle sweetness that elegantly complements the maritime profile. Its clear structure and long-lasting finish make it a solid representative of typical Islay whisky blends, even if its complexity has its limits.
Value for Money: Good
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Why is the Big Peat Small Batch Release so clear, despite being an intense Islay whisky?
The Big Peat Small Batch Release is neither colored nor chill-filtered, which contributes to its exceptional clarity. Despite this transparency, it delivers an intense smoky flavor experience typical of Islay whiskies.
What unique characteristics make the taste of the Big Peat Small Batch Release stand out?
Beyond its dominant smoky flavor, the whisky features subtle notes of iodine, lemon, vanilla, and even parsnip purée. These unusual aromas, combined with a phenolic touch and a gentle leather note, give it a complex and multi-layered flavor profile.
How does the independent bottler Douglas Laing influence the character of this whisky?
Douglas Laing carefully selects and blends various Islay whiskies for the Big Peat Small Batch Release to create a distinctive smoky blend. The bottler’s expertise ensures that, despite the absence of an age statement, the whisky offers a balanced and intense tasting experience.