Big Peat Christmas Edition 2016 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Whisky 54,6%

Douglas Laing's Christmas release has never been the soft, cosy type. It is the one that comes in from the cold in a wet coat smelling of bonfire — the 2016 edition in particular.

The expert's description

Big Peat Christmas Edition 2016 is an Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky bottled at 54.6 % cask strength.

The blend consists solely of single malts from Islay, and the Christmas release is traditionally bottled stronger than the standard version. The whisky is neither chill filtered nor coloured.

The Christmas Edition has been a fixed annual event at Douglas Laing since Big Peat was launched in 2009. Every edition has its own strength and its own composition, and they are bottled only in the year they are named after.

Tasting notes

Nose

Dried seaweed, bonfire smoke and ash with a pronounced medicinal note. Sweet malt, vanilla and a touch of spice keep it from turning cold, and a freshness of citrus and pepper lifts it.

Palate

Powerful and warm with clear peat smoke, salty sea air and a marked ash profile. Black pepper, liquorice, toasted barley and a hint of caramel step forward, and the 54.6 % is well integrated.

Finish

Long, dry and smoky with persistent ash, pepper and a salty minerality.

Specifications

Name: Big Peat Christmas Edition 2016 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Whisky 54.6%
Bottler: Douglas Laing
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 54.6 %
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Bottled: 2016
Edition: Christmas Edition 2016

Flavour profile

Peated · Maritime · Cask strength · Ashy · Spicy

Investment potential

Medium: A vintage-specific Christmas release bottled only in 2016 and never repeated. Older Christmas Editions are becoming harder to find, and complete vintage runs are in demand among Big Peat collectors.

Did you know?

Big Peat's Christmas release is the only one in the range that changes strength every year. That makes it possible to identify the vintage from the strength alone — 54.6 % can only be 2016.

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Frequently asked questions about Big Peat Christmas Edition 2016 Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Whisky 54.6%

What sets the Christmas Edition apart from the regular Big Peat?

Strength and composition. The Christmas release is bottled at cask strength and is markedly more powerful and intense than the standard version at 46 %. Each vintage is also made only once.

How strong is it to drink?

54.6 % is clearly noticeable, but the alcohol is well integrated into the smoke. Pour less than usual and add water to taste — there is plenty of flavour to dilute.

Which distilleries are included?

Big Peat builds on Islay malts from Caol Ila, Bowmore, Ardbeg and Port Ellen. The exact proportions in each Christmas release are not disclosed.

Is it a good Christmas gift?

For the smoke lover, yes. It is a vintage bottle with a clear identity, and the very idea of a Christmas edition makes it easy to wrap. For someone new to peated whisky, choose a milder Islay Whisky instead.

What does it suit?

Smoked and salted food. Try it with smoked ham, cured salmon or a piece of strong cheese — festive tables and peat smoke work better together than you might think.

Why does the whisky turn hazy with ice?

Because it is not chill filtered. The natural fatty compounds that give the whisky texture precipitate at low temperatures. It is cosmetic and does not affect the flavour.