Big Peat No Age Statement (46%, Douglas Laing, 2009)

A Vatted Islay Malt

From the labels, front and back; ‘A small batch bottling traditionally Unchillfiltered’ and ‘Historically we would call this – whisper it- “a vatted malt” but with a big peat kick’. ‘A shovelful of Islay Single Malt Scotch Whiskies including malts distilled at Ardbeg* Caol Ila*Bowmore*Port Ellen*Distilleries’.

The nose is most definitely peated, right off and with a really nice back ground of sweetness (think of toffee & honey) along with the ever slightest hint of Elder flowers and Clementine’s. Oh my, this is very nice, the peat smoke and the sweetness are really quite something. There are also some hints of coal smoke, iodine and brine. On to the taste which is beautifully peated and sweet with a vague touch on cigarette ash which is quickly over taken by the sweetness and the peat followed by the hints of the Elder flowers and Clementine’s. There is also some slight hints of malt and porridge. The taste is very nice and despite the name the peat is not overwhelming, one wants more. The finish is once again peated along with some malt and some slight hints of ash followed by the sweetness ad then some beautiful dry dark bitter chocolate, oh, what a moment. This finish rolls on for what seems forever changing and revealing new tastes before gently easing off…well actually that last bit is a lie, it doesn’t gently do anything, it’s quite robust but very good. Ever slight hint of some soapiness after a few minutes but it really is very slight and does not detract in the slightest. The finish is carrying on…..whatever, off to lunch.

A most unusual departure for Douglas Laing…and who is this bearded Peat fellow depicted on the front label?

C$85

Score 85 Points

Shake hands with Peat himself at http://www.douglaslaingwhisky.com/home.php?WEBYEP_DI=35

Peat week continues 2 of 4………….