Big Peat Christmas Edition 2012 (70cl, 53.6%)

A Christmas edition of Big Peat, an Islay blended malt Scotch whisky bottled by Douglas Laing. It is a small batch release at a natural cask strength of 53.6%, not chill filtered, in a 70cl bottle. The blend draws on malts from Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore and Port Ellen distilleries. The nose begins with salty smoke and sea breeze, over malty bread, fresh lemon zest and creamy vanilla. The palate is led by dense peat, then a more ashy smoke, set against ripe citrus, sugared barley and vanilla cake. The finish is long, the smoke fading to citrus sweetness and a faintly salty close.