Big Peat

Douglas Laing & Co was founded in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing and remains family-owned today. The company is built on a philosophy of bottling as the distiller intended: cask strength, non-chill filtered, and without added colour. Big Peat launched in 2009 as the first whisky in the Remarkable Regional Malts series—a collection where each expression represents a distinct Scottish whisky region.

This blended malt draws exclusively from four Islay distilleries: Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and the now-closed Port Ellen. The blend marries robust, peaty spirits with a sweeter undercurrent. Malted grain and vanilla from ex-bourbon casks provide the foundation, while former sherry casks add depth and dark fruit character.

On the nose, Big Peat presents the classic Islay profile: intensely peated and seaweed-forward, with underlying vanilla and honey. The palate delivers earth and smoke, seasoned with salt and white pepper, while a creamy texture offers balance. The finish remains smoky and dry, with ash and a whisper of liquorice.