Info: 10yo Islay blended malt Scotch whisky finished for 16 months in French red wine casks. No colouring or chill-filtration. 48% ABV.
Colour: Deep golden winter, the hints of red wine cask showing their hand.
Nose: For those peat lovers amongst us, this is an instant relaxation moment. Familiar Islay peat notes make you relax with thoughts of beachside bonfires on a late autumn evening. With time the nose increasingly moves towards the juicy, fruity red notes. Slow oily legs.
Palate: Smooth oily coal tones followed by juicy, fruity malt with a pinch of salt. There’s some tannin, but that’s held in check by the sweet peat. On a second visit a treacly BBQ meat note is apparent.
Finish: Medium-length puffs of smoke mixed with sweetness lead into longer newer wood and malt notes.
Thoughts: I’ve never yet had a Big Peat I didn’t enjoy, and I’m pleased to say that run continues. This is a pleasurable seasonal drop of Islay drammage, balanced nicely and finished very well. Have the red wine casks smoothed it out too much? Or maybe the age? That may be in the eye of the beholder. For me, no, I love the sweet, relaxed autumnal treat. RRP £65.

Thanks to Douglas Laing for the samples.