Douglas Laing & Co. Celebrates Sell-Out Success of Big Peat Highball RTD in Japan

Independent Scotch Whisky specialist, Douglas Laing & Co., proudly celebrated the launch of the Big Peat Highball, the first ever ready-to-drink serve from its cult Islay Blended Malt Scotch Whisky brand, Big Peat.

Crafted in collaboration with Japan Import System (JIS), the limited release rolled out nationwide in mid-August across 15,000 stores in Japan. It sold out exceptionally quickly, a clear reflection of the demand for innovative RTD formats in one of the world’s most dynamic Whisky markets.

Big Peat, renowned globally as the “ultimate taste of Islay”, is a marriage of Single Malts distilled only on the island, including those from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and even the long-lost Port Ellen. Bottled always without colouring or chill-filtration, Big Peat is celebrated for “his” unmistakably maritime and smoky style.

That same flavour DNA was brought to life in the Big Peat Highball RTD: a perfectly balanced serve combining smoky sweetness, warming peat smoke, and a briny coastal tang with a refreshing effervescence. Enjoyed straight from the can, it delivered Big Peat’s bold Islay character in a convenient, easy-drinking format that quickly won over Japanese consumers.

Feedback has been hugely positive, not only from direct client reviews but also via social media posts and short video content which helped fuel nationwide awareness. Consumers in Japan have been particularly struck by the bold, impactful design that stood out on shelves, as well as the unique taste profile: the intense smokiness immediately evident on opening the can, paired with a surprisingly refined quality at 7%ABV.

Cara Laing, Managing Director at Douglas Laing & Co., commented:

“Big Peat has built his reputation as a seriously smoky Islay Malt, adored by Whisky fans around the world. To see “him” take this bold new step into RTD, in a market as important and pioneering as Japan, is incredibly exciting. The collaboration with JIS has allowed us to stay true to the DNA of Big Peat while making him more accessible than ever before.”