Douglas Laing Big Peat Fèis ìle 2021 Peatrichor Edition
53.8% ABV - Islay, Scotland
Nose: Agave, smoke… mezcal-like, bits of burning rubber, with earthy, vegetal peat, bark, and spices.
Taste: Very woody, campfire wood, lots of smoke and hints of fruit and citrus. After time the fruit started to become more prominent but still muddled and difficult to pick out specifics.
Finish: Lots of wood spices, pepper, heavy smoke… forever fading.
The strength of the Big Peat Peatrichor Edition—which I keep calling Peatrich-tor—is dialled up but the experience is not brash… it’s rather balanced considering the 53.8% ABV.
This Big Peat Fèis ìle 2021 was tasted side-by-side the Fèis ìle 2020 and Christmas Edition 2020. I feel like it would be impossible to name an Islay distillery that makes the majority of this blend—but, I guess with all multiple choice tests guess C(aol Ila).
Tasted 27 October 2021. (Posted 10 November 2022.)
86/100
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.
