Douglas Laing's Big Peat Small Batch Islay Vatted Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"...it doesn't disappoint. Big AND peaty." - whiskyadvocate.com

An acclaimed vatted Islay malt containing spirit from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and the rare Port Ellen. Soon after it was launched, Big Peat was awarded the top prize in its category at the World Whisky Awards 2010, while the Malt Maniacs awarded it “BEST PEATED WHISKY/DAILY DRAM.”  If you’re a beginner, this whisky may pack a punch but it's an excellent entry point into peated malts, especially at the price. If you’re already a fan of Laphroaig and Ardbeg, you’re likely to love this. Bottled without chill filtration at 46% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... So which independent bottler comes out in the 'Big' battle of the Islay blended malts? Given this is bottled at a lower strength and it's at a lower price, I'm calling it a draw. The latest batch of this is the best yet, with Ardbeg, Caol Ila, and Bowmore the main components, although there is also some Port Ellen in the mix. So you know what to expect—and it doesn't disappoint. Big AND peaty. 90 points - whiskyadvocate.com

[circa 2016 bottling] ...A recent batch of Douglas Laing’s total hit showcasing that famous Captain Haddock look-alike. It’s still advertised as containing some Port Ellen, let’s see if we notice it. Of course I’m joking. Colour: pale white wine. Nose: by blending these young malts (well the PE can’t be young, can it), what you kind of do is erase the rawness, and probably gain a good five years of apparent age. In truth, this is very brilliant, and I’ll tell you what, should you need only one fresh and clean Islayer in your bar, better select this than any very young single malt. Really, yeah, Serge speaking. The blending clearly adds complexity in this case. Mouth: superb young clean ashy smoke with lemons and pears, although the pears remain discreet and are not shouting ‘I’m young!’ I hope you see what I mean. I also like this feeling of smoking a menthol cigarette – as far as I can remember from my younger days. Kool, Stuyvesant and all that. Finish: surprisingly un-long (yeah that means short), but perfectly chiselled. Pears, pineapples, ashes, smoke. Comments: I think the ones at cask strength are better, because you may need powah to stand the high peat levels, but anyone could watch whole seasons of Inspektor Derrick without falling asleep when sipping these very smart babies. Totally a fan of Big Peat. 86 points - whiskyfun.com

Awarded best vatted malt of the year - Jim Murray's Whisky Bible 2011.

Glasgow-based Douglas Laing & Co are independent bottlers and blenders headed by brothers, Fred and Stewart Laing. The company has traditionally specialised in blending super premium whiskies for Far East markets. The brothers succeeded their father, Fred Douglas, who founded the company in 1948 and they’ve not let their Dad down over the past 25 years, significantly expanding the enterprise. Key to their success has been the management and marketing of the vast stocks of old and rare malts the family has built up over the last half century.