Christmas is in the air and arrives in hours. Prepped Eve meals and the house and will finalize tomorrow morning. Completed watching the South Park Christmas episodes with my son. This sample has been waiting in the wings since last year. Now is the perfect time to take this in. Ahh, Big Peat, what are thou liketh? It mirrors the color of a Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio. During the summer, smoking ribs, turkey, chicken and pork is a simple pleasure of mine. This nose is all Kansas City Rub on brined turkey slowly smoked with hickory. A molasses glazing sauce drizzled about. Garnishing the nose are caramelized apples and pears. This only sweetens over time. A full meal realized through aromas. The smoke realized on the nose is captured on the palate though as blackend-charred meat. Salted caramel and vanilla sweetness balances the charcoal that is ever present. Salami, olive brine, canned pears, bbq pineapples and peaches accompany the flavors. A never ending tarry finish with hints of oak and vanilla sweetness. Some faint sulfur comes through at the deep backend of the finish. The body is warmed deep within. This one surprised me as you would expect an overdone, overblown peated scotch. But it is quite balanced with just the correct amount sweetness to keep things in check. The high abv is unnoticed and sips more of a 43% or 46% bottled whisky. The Ardbeg and Caol Ila is clearly evident work well together. A big thanks to @LeeEvolved for sharing this delightful whisky. [90/100][Tasted: 12/23/18]