Big Peat Christmas Edition 2022

 

 

 

54,2°

Distillery : Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila, Port Ellen, amongst others -- Islay

Bourbon Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

So here is the 12th volume of the Big Peat Christmas Edition, still cask strength, still a blend of Single Malts from different Islay distilleries, without chill filtering or colouring. Fortunately, nothing has changed. As last year, 7 distilleries contributed. In addition to the 4 we know, it must be Lagavulin, Bunnahabhain and Laphroaig. But there is no certainty. The only new thing is that this time Pete is dressed up as a Christmas tree. He's been put through the mill, poor chap.

 

Let's Taste It : 

Right from the nose, it's very spicy, paprika, cinnamon, cumin, but also very Bourbon, milky, vanilla-flavoured and lemony. And of course, the peat. Imposing, enormous, intensive. It's heavy, with a very full iodine, tidal ebb, foam and sea spray. Very fresh indeed. Tar in the background. On the palate, there's some exotic fruits, coconut, kumquat, before being shaken up by spices, and carried away in the whirlwind of a very beautiful, very strong and very long finish. Charcoal, dry earth, oysters, a few mirabelles.

In Short, 

Quite frankly, I'm still delighted with this bottling. This one seems fresher to me, very iodised, and with a power that takes everything apart. These last editions seem even better to me. The price has increased a bit, but it's still very affordable for what it is. Only for enthusiasts, that said.

Score : 88

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Suicidal Tendencies - You Can't Bring Me Down