Big Peat Christmas Edition 2021, 700ml, 52,8% Douglas Laing has gone and made a limited edition bottling of Big Peat in celebration of Christmas 2021, appropriately dubbed Big Peat at Christmas 2021. An annual tradition for the fab independent bottler, this blended malt is made with malt whiskies from a medley of marvellous Islay distillery, and boasts a full-bodied peaty profile. It's also got the titular character Big Peat on the label enjoying a spot of sledding. He seems to be enjoying himself. Nose: Tarry rope, stroopwafel, toasted brioche, vegetal peat smoke. Palate: Still richly smoky, with a crackle of black pepper bringing a core of spiciness, rounded by orange and lemon. Finish: Very slightly floral, but peaty notes carry on and on. Big Peat Christmas Edition 2023, 700ml, 54.8% The Big Peat Christmas Edition is the 13th bottling of the popular, limited-edition Big Peat Christmas Edition. The charming bulbous nose is now synonymous with the smoky Islay whisky. The malt blend in the Christmas Edition also consists of a blend of the premium Islay single malts from Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila, and Port Ellen. Particularly noteworthy is that the Christmas Edition was bottled for the first time for a finish in sherry casks, to particularly emphasize the taste of Christmas. Nose: Initially, typical peat smoke and plenty of Scottish sea air, followed by dried fruit, cocoa, and spiced oak. Palate: Mouth-filling and rich in flavor - dried fruit again, followed by candied orange peel and peated barley - notes of aged leather and smoked bacon - all encapsulated by a rich, sweet peat smoke. Finish: Long, smoky-sweet finish - leather, bacon, and peat smoke join the juicy dried fruit.