Douglas Laing Big Peat Christmas Edition 2020
53.1% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: Dabbling into the rubbery-side of peat, lightly fruited, and yes—heavy smoke, but not overpowering… and this is bottled at cask strength.
Taste: Burning tires. Peppercorns. And there is something maritime about this—salty, sardines, beach bonfire…?
Finish: There is slightly woody peat smoke wafting about… bits of menthol. Medium length.
I really like to get the annual limited Big Peat Christmas Editions! It’s an annual tradition that I’m sure I share with a lot of peatheads, and I have bought each year since 2017—and there is also a 2013 Edition sitting next to this one on the shelf.
This Big Peat Christmas Edition 2020 was tasted side-by-side the Fèis ìle 2020 and Fèis ìle 2021.
Tasted 27 October 2021. (Posted 07 June 2022.)
84/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
