Big Peat 33 Year Cognac & Sherry Cask Finish

The newest and oldest expression from this brand at 33 years old, one of 1500 bottles, matured in XO and Sherry casks, and priced under 300 USD. It ticks some boxes! Nose - one of the most intriguing sensory experiences of the year. Cognac is dominant here. Earthy and classic "scotch butterscotch" with slight orchard fruit and abundant smoke. Deeper inhalations into the glass reveal some alcohol bite. Marmalade and custards are emerging. I perceive a very faint hint of wood, but it's more exotic oak than traditional varieties. There's a subtle funky oak, almost wet oak. A whisper of confectioners' sugar. Even a hint of grape (from the cognac?). Overall, the aroma leans savory with salty elements and buttery notes balancing the sweetness. After 30+ minutes in the glass, spices are developing, slightly baking spices and slightly oak spice. It's certainly very complex, but I'm not convinced it reaches true greatness yet. Here's to hoping it tastes phenomenal! Taste - well, I'm somewhat less impressed. This is the second pour, as the first left me slightly underwhelmed. The initial taste is rich sweetness with light oak notes, abundant sugars, and a nice combination of that cognac and yes, the sherry casks are now clearly evident. It then shifts to mint and menthol, followed by considerable bitter oak. A very cooling sensation on the finish after a warm and inviting start. I'm enjoying it. So, I'm rating it a 3.5, but I'll revisit it to see if it evolves. A good value, but not exceptional.

Reminds me of a visit to the Louvre, home of the Mona Lisa. It's tough to get a clear view of that painting due to the crowds. The museum also displays a beloved ancient sculpture, the Winged Nike of Samothrace, missing its head. I recall taking my young daughter there years ago, and her question was, "What's so great about it if the most important part, the head, is gone?" This dram is similar. It's a 33-year-old blended Islay, finished in double cognac and then sherry casks. At 33 years, few Islay scotches are this age and still somewhat affordable, unlike many others costing well over $1000. The aroma is pleasant, featuring sweet perfumed flowers and dried fruits. The palate offers a touch of peat and salt, with notes of oranges and almonds. However, it lacks peat. Given its age, I'd anticipate a more refined peat presence, not an absence of it. Without that peat, it feels like the essence of Islay is missing. Much like a child observing the Winged Nike of Samothrace, it's missing the most crucial element.

Nose: pears, ashes (similar to Caol Ila), citrus, orange marmalade, "simple syrup". The Cognac influence suggests a Rivesaltes/Muscat style. Mouth: pleasing texture, mineral notes, spices appear immediately, mouth-watering, orange peel, ginger, very mild peat, some pineapple, roasted nuts. Finish: Spices fade, abundant orange, alcohol is unnoticeable, very pleasant, flavors dissipate a bit too rapidly though. A very enjoyable whisky; the bottle has just been opened. I'll try it again in a few weeks once it has aired out. I don't typically care for heavily peated whiskies, but aged ones are a significant departure.