Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 53.6%

Big Peat's peaty power meets the sweetness of a Madeira cask in this winter edition.

Expert description

Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask is a seasonal release of the Islay blend, with part of the whisky finished in Madeira casks, bottled at cask strength, 53.6%. Big Peat was launched in 2009 by independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co as the first in the company's 'Remarkable Regional Malts' series. The idea was to create the 'ultimate distillation of Islay' by blending single malt whisky from several of the island's distilleries, including Caol Ila, Bowmore and Ardbeg, without using grain whisky. Big Peat is non-chill filtered, with no colouring added. Each year Douglas Laing releases a Christmas Edition of Big Peat at natural cask strength, and at Islay's Fèis Ìle whisky festival, special limited editions are regularly released.

Tasting notes

Nose

The nose offers smoke, peat and a sweet Madeira-driven fruitiness.

Palate

The palate is smoky and full with peat, dried fruit and a sweet Madeira character.

Finish

The finish is long, smoky and lightly sweet.

Specifications

Name: Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Bottler: Douglas Laing & Co
Region/Country: Islay, Scotland
Type: Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
ABV: 53.6%
Size: 70 CL
Non-chill filtered: Yes
Natural colour: Yes
Cask type: Finished in Madeira casks

Flavour profile

Smoky · Peated · Sweet · Fruity

Investment potential

Annual, limited Big Peat releases like this one are often sought by collectors and Islay enthusiasts, and can become hard to find once sold out.

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Frequently asked questions about Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Which distilleries go into Big Peat?

Big Peat is a blend of single malt whisky from several Islay distilleries, including Caol Ila, Bowmore and Ardbeg, each contributing its own character to the blend.

Is Big Peat non-chill filtered?

Yes, Big Peat is non-chill filtered, with no colouring added, preserving the whisky's natural texture and appearance.

How is Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky best served?

Neat or with a few drops of water to open up the smoke and other aromas.

What does the Madeira cask add to the whisky?

The Madeira cask adds a sweet, fruity character that layers on top of Big Peat's base smoky peat profile from the blended Islay malts.

Is Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 53.6% a good gift idea?

Yes, Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 53.6% is a natural choice for anyone who appreciates craftsmanship and characterful flavour experiences — especially for the whisky enthusiast keen to explore beyond the most familiar names.

How should Big Peat Winter Edition Madeira Cask Douglas Laing Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 53.6% be stored?

Standing upright, cool and dark, like any other spirits bottle. Once opened, the contents keep best if enjoyed within a year or so.