LeeEvolved
Big Peat 10 Year
Blended Malt — Islay, Scotland
Reviewed
February 7, 2020 (edited June 11, 2020)
This was a limited release bottle from Douglas Laing that came out in early 2019, if I recall correctly. It was released to commemorate the 10th anniversary of the Big Peat line of blends. They usually stick to NAS bottlings and holiday releases, along with special bottles for various British entities, such as the Royal Air Force, etc. This particular release is actually slightly lower in ABV than most releases, even the 25-27yo special bottles are a higher ABV, I believe. This bottle cost me $55 at the time of release, but I think it can still be found for a little less from a few U.K. online shoppes.
It’s a typical, pale yellow in color with thick, oily legs and tons of medium sized droplets in your Glencairn. The nose begins with sharp, mineral-y peat and cloves. Fresh oak, vanilla and a few tropical notes, like pineapple and banana, indicate that this particular blend’s components spent lots of their time in ex-bourbon casks before their happy marriage. Water brings about lots of maritime notes and more herbaceous qualities. All of which help the dram. Water is your friend here, even at 46%.
The palate is salty smoke and peat, orchard fruits and bananas while being warming and luscious. There’s meaty BBQ at mid sip and it’s very smooth for a 10 year old whisky. Ardbeg peat levels with a Caol Ila smoothness, I’d say. Mouth coat is on the heavier side, but is really quite welcoming.
The finish is long with a hit of sharp mineral notes. Apples and bananas linger to the very end, giving you a smoked, yet fruity finish. It works very well.
Overall, I’m a huge fan of the Big Peat line of blends. I actually think I prefer these over Compass Box’s peated stuff and even a handful of Islay single malts (I won’t name which ones, out of respect, but there are a few I’d pass on for a bottle of Big Peat). The price is borderline high, just for a blend, but it’s still one I’d pay if I had easier access to this line of whisky. 4-4.25 stars all day long. Cheers, my friends.
55.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Rick_M - yeah, I understand. Whiskysite.nl even has a special 33yo Big Peat that caused me to raise an eyebrow, but by the time I put 4 different bottles in my virtual cart I was $900+ shipping (and possible tariffs) and, well I’m just too scared to risk it. The funny part is that Big Peat actually shouldn’t be subject to the tariffs as it’s supposed to only apply to single malts. But, are we supposed to believe that those customs officials making $33k a year will know the difference? I mean when they bill you for it would you feel comfortable telling them to open the box and see that they are blends? I think not. Lol.
Thanks Lee, but I think I’ll pass on whiskysite.nl. Too many unknowns. MoM has the 27, but still no shipping to US. Hopefully, TWE will have soon.
@Rick_M @PBMichiganWolverine - whiskysite.nl has the 27yo for $240 after the exchange rate, but they don’t guarantee USA shipping. You can use DHL Express from them, which they say means that customs gets notified about what’s in the box, which should mean once you pay the customs fees (AND TARIFFS), you should get your box delivered. I was just too leery to bite on that option. But, they do have them in stock right now.
@Rick_M there’s a 27 yr old as well—can’t seem to find it. But I’d imagine that as good VFM
@PBMichiganWolverine - yes, TWE still has the 26yo at a price I will jump on if still available when I get back to my home state next month.
@Rick_M my main source was always TWE and MoM ( while they still shipped to US). @LeeEvolved mentioned one out of NL, but I think shipping on that now is questionable in this post tariff world
The prices on these older Big Peat Islay blends were an incredible deal. I’m sorry I didn’t jump all over them. @LeeEvolved @PBMichiganWolverine - where did you folks buy from?
@Soba45 - actually, these are all from notes I had before I quit writing reviews. I have about 6-8 more before I need to start taking fresh notes. Sadly, the 2-3 bottles I killed over the last 4 months I have no notes for, so they’ll just have to be overlooked.
Man once you get underway a tidal wave of tasting follows!
@LeeEvolved 27? that’s a high age for an Islay. I’m guessing probably a lot of Caol Ila. Can’t do wrong with a well aged Caol Ila
@PBMichiganWolverine - yeah, I have the 25 and 26, and saw they released the 27yo Black Edition recently. I need that one to complete the set lol.
I especially like the fact that a bit of Port Ellen are in these. I have the 25 yr gold edition—-which I’m looking forward to trying