Big Peat Christmas Edition 2014, 55,7%, 700ml This is one of the first and now very rare Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas Edition 2014. This edition was bottled at a natural cask strength of 55.7% ABV, without chill filtration and without artificial colouring. With an alcohol content of 55.7% ABV, this is a very strong and intense whisky that offers a full and undiluted experience, typical of early Christmas editions. The 2014 vintage was one of the first Christmas editions, which makes it a highly valued collector's item on the secondary market. The blend contains exclusively single malt whiskies from iconic distilleries on the island of Islay, including distillates from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and a rare proportion from the historic Port Ellen distillery. The whisky is non-chill-filtered (not cold-filtered) and natural colour (no added colouring). The exact maturation period is not specified (this is a No Age Statement - NAS whisky). The blend contains carefully selected malt whiskies of varying ages, matured in oak casks, which have been chosen to give the whisky a complex but authentic Islay character, ideal for the winter season. Aroma: the aroma is intense, salty and fresh, with an immediate onset of peat, sea air and campfire smoke. There are also softer, warmer notes of red fruit, Christmas spices (cloves, cinnamon), and a hint of citrus peel and burnt wood. Taste: on the palate the taste is strong, warm and oily. The notes of ash, sweet tar and eucalyptus dominate, which mix with the surprising sweetness of vanilla, honey and caramelized fruit. Despite the high alcohol content, the taste is well integrated and full. Finish: very long, warm and spicy, with lingering notes of campfire smoke, saltiness and a subtle pepperiness that leaves a long-lasting and complex feeling in the mouth.