The Whiskey Reviewer A World of Whiskey, Poured Every Weekday
By Emma Briones
Rating: A-
Big Peat Christmas Edition 2019
(Credit: Douglas Laing)
Each year, Douglas Laing launches for Christmas a special edition of one of their most known whiskies: Big Peat. This year also marks the 10th anniversary of the Big Peat brand, so its limited-edition Big Peat Christmas 2019 had to be something really special.
As for each edition, the recipe quantities change, but not the main whiskies that make Big Peat. Among them, there is some Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila and even something from the soon-to-be-reopened Port Ellen. Big Peat Christmas 2019 has been bottled at cask strength, with a 53.7% abv (107 proof).
The Scotch
In the glass, Big Peat Christmas 2019 has a white wine color. Like any other Big Peat expression, the first whiff on the nose is a peat blow. It highlights some burned wood and wetland notes, like a souvenir of a bonfire in the woods. There are also some fruity aromas, like green apple, accompanied by sweet caramel notes and a touch of a sea breeze.
Big Peat Christmas 2019 has a medium body and it is slightly spicy on the top of the tongue. On the palate it is a peat explosion, that slowly delivers smoky notes blended with the rest of flavors. There are more fruity notes, mostly green apples, and pears. A sweet touch of caramel and a bit of sea salt.
The finish is medium, with intense bonfire notes leading to a sweet side of the dram. It also has a dry touch of nutmeg and sea breeze.
Big Peat has been a great success for Douglas Laing, mainly because they know how to craft an expression to satisfy peated whisky lovers. Peat is obviously the highlight of this Big Peat Christmas edition, but also its perfect balance between the sweet and salty notes.
If you are looking for a peat blow to warm those cold winter days, Big Peat Christmas 2019 is a great choice. A brutal example of a really peated whisky.
The Price
Big Peat Christmas 2019 is available to purchase from Scotch whisky retailers globally, including Europe, the US and select Asian markets. It is retailed at $60 and €55.
