Big Peat 10 Year

This was a special bottling from Douglas Laing released around early 2019, as I recall. It was created to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the Big Peat blended line. They typically focus on NAS bottlings, holiday releases, and special editions for various British entities, such as the Royal Air Force. This specific release has a slightly lower alcohol content than most, even their 25-27 year old special bottles, I believe. I purchased this bottle for $55 at the time of its release, but I think it might still be available for a bit less from a few UK online retailers. It has a typical pale yellow color with thick, oily legs and numerous medium-sized droplets in a Glencairn glass. The aroma starts with sharp, mineral-like peat and cloves. Fresh oak, vanilla, and a few tropical notes, such as pineapple and banana, suggest that the components of this blend spent a significant portion of their maturation in ex-bourbon casks before their marriage. Adding water introduces many maritime and more herbaceous qualities, which benefit the dram. Water is recommended here, even at 46% ABV. The palate offers salty smoke and peat, orchard fruits, and bananas, while being warming and luscious. There's a meaty BBQ character mid-palate, and it's remarkably smooth for a 10-year-old whisky. It's comparable to Ardbeg peat levels with the smoothness of Caol Ila, in my opinion. The mouthfeel is on the heavier side but is quite inviting. The finish is long with a hit of sharp mineral notes. Apples and bananas linger until the very end, providing a smoked yet fruity conclusion. It works very well. Overall, I'm a great admirer of the Big Peat line of blends. I actually find them preferable to Compass Box's peated offerings and even some Islay single malts (I won't name them out of respect, but there are a few I'd skip for a bottle of Big Peat). The price is on the higher side for a blend, but it's still something I'd purchase if I had easier access to this whisky range. It consistently earns 4-4.25 stars. Cheers to you all.

Gentle peat on the nose, hovering between herbal and smoky with a touch of richness. Notes of clove, cinnamon, and licorice are present, grounded by a strong marine salinity. A very well-balanced and harmonious experience. The palate mirrors the nose with a dominant peaty and oily character, yet it's never aggressive. It's tightly interwoven with saline and herbaceous notes, offering a surprising freshness. Licorice and cinnamon persist, joined by a hint of orange, vanilla, and a dash of pepper. As it lingers, the peat evolves into an ashier profile, and the salinity becomes more pronounced, evoking smoked seaweed. Wood elements are subtle in the background. The finish is medium-long and slightly dry, featuring notes of smoked wood, salt, and licorice.