Big Peat Christmas Edition 2023 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 70 cl 54.8%

For the first time in the history of the Christmas series, Big Peat was given a spell in sherry wood. Smoke met raisin, and the result became the most Christmassy version the fisherman has ever been allowed to carry.

The expert's description

Big Peat Christmas Edition 2023 is an Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky finished in sherry casks and bottled at 54.8 % cask strength.

It is the first time in the history of the Christmas series that Big Peat has been given a sherry finish. The blend is assembled from single malts from Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen, and the whisky is neither chill filtered nor coloured.

Douglas Laing have bottled a Christmas Edition every year since 2011, always at cask strength and always with its own composition. The 2023 vintage stands out through its cask programme rather than through its strength.

Tasting notes

Nose

Raisin and dark syrup meet bonfire smoke and dried seaweed. A warm spice edge of clove and cinnamon fits December neatly.

Palate

Powerful and sweet with dried fruit, dark chocolate and salted liquorice. The sherry gives body, and the 54.8 % keeps the smoke forward so it never turns cloying.

Finish

Long with sweet smoke, raisin and a dry ashy close.

Specifications

Name: Big Peat Christmas Edition 2023 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 54.8%
Bottler: Douglas Laing
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 54.8 %
Size: 70 CL
Cask type: Finished in sherry casks
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Bottled: 2023
Edition: Christmas Edition 2023
EAN no.: 5014218828016

Flavour profile

Peated · Sherry matured · Sweet · Spicy · Cask strength

Did you know?

It took twelve Christmas editions before Douglas Laing tried sherry casks on Big Peat. Until 2023 the series had stuck to the clean, undressed Islay profile every single year.

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Frequently asked questions about Big Peat Christmas Edition 2023 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 54.8%

What does the sherry finish do to Big Peat?

It lays raisin, dark syrup and warm spice over the smoke. The whisky becomes rounder and sweeter than earlier Christmas editions without the peat disappearing — the 54.8 % makes sure the smoke still gets a word in.

Is it the first time the series has used sherry casks?

Yes. Until 2023 all the Christmas editions were kept in the clean Islay style without secondary maturation. The 2023 vintage is the first with a sherry finish.

Which distilleries are involved?

Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and Port Ellen — the fixed quartet behind Big Peat. Together they cover the whole Islay spectrum from medicinal and earthy to sweet and elegant.

Does it suit Christmas food?

Unusually well. Raisin and spice in the whisky meet prunes, apples and browned potatoes, and the smoke cuts through the richness of duck or roast pork.

Is it a good gift for someone who likes sherried whisky?

Yes, if the recipient can also handle smoke. The combination is pronounced, and it surprises many who otherwise stick to one or the other.

How is it best served?

Neat in a glass with a narrow opening, ideally warmed slightly in the hand. See the whisky glasses if you want the most from the sherry notes.