Big Peat Bordeaux Edition

 

 

 

48°

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

Bourbon Casks and Bordeaux Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Douglas Laing & Co. 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

Wine casks are really in fashion this year, so much so that even Big Peat has got in on the act. This limited edition of 680 bottles is exclusively reserved for the French market, as part of the New Vibrations collection launched by La Maison du Whisky. At the same time, who else but a Frenchman can appreciate the blend between the costal, peaty character of Islay and the foresty roundness of Bordeaux wines?

Let's Taste It : 

Nice finish, the typical Big Peat character is softer, rounded. Heather earth, blackcurrants, blackberries, rich, slightly damp earth, muscat grapes, all blend quite well with the fat, charcoal smoke from Islay. The costal character disappears a little, however. On the palate, the black fruits are varied and dominant, and the spices are earthy. Dark chocolate, nutmeg. Chickpeas. The finish is well crafted, long and foresty, with humus, vegetal moss and bark. A few coffee beans.

In Short, 

It's really the wine that dominates this affair. But it's still well made, pleasant and bold. Honestly, I was a bit apprehensive about tasting it, afraid it wouldn't work at all, but it does. That said, a good part of Islay's profile has disappeared. For me, it's a curiosity, to be tasted, but from there to buying a whole bottle, I don't know. Especially as the price is so high, it's not really worth it.

Score : 87

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

                                            Reignwolf - The Chain