Big Peat whisky tasting notes and review of a super salty distillate
The Big Peat whisky, as you can easily guess from the name, is a peat bomb, it doesn’t hide or shy away, but it attacks you as soon as you smell it with a whirlwind of tar and coal. Ok, it is a distillate that focuses heavily on peat and smoky tones, but at the same time, it is also a child of the island of Islay, and therefore the sea plays a fundamental role.
Seriously, we are talking about one of the best blended scotch whiskies. This product successfully combines the style of 4 historic distilleries like Ardbeg, Bowmore, Caol Ila, and Port Island. But don’t judge it badly immediately, as often happens with the best blended, this is a Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, what was once called Vatted Malts, that is a blend of carefully chosen single malts. And obviously, there is not the slightest trace of grain whisky in this bottle. It is an intricate speech, but this immediately makes you understand the quality of this whisky and how the price is justified. Since we are talking about 50 and broken euros for a bottle. But if you consider that the Port Island distillery has not been active for 40 years,
But let’s get to this Big Peat whisky. How is it? Good?
Yes, it’s delicious. It’s straightforward, earthy, and smoky, with notes of candied citrus in a BBQ. It does not want to be subtle or nuanced but striking in intensity with a precise and suggestive aromatic framework.
The problem with many Blended Malt Scotch Whiskys is that they lose identity and have no direction due to a mixture of flavors and aromas. They were created to be discreet, but they do not have the impetus and momentum of single malts, where the territory and the distillery’s style are much more protagonists. And instead, this Big Peat is not satisfied with doing the homework. On the contrary, it pushes a lot on brackish and medicinal tones. It dares it is sharp and mentholated, as well as smoky and fruity properly.
Big Peat whisky bouquet
The first impact is smoky tar that slaps you, but the sea immediately emerges with algae, cordage, and mentholated tones. The fruit is warm and caramelized, but it moves agile among the splendid scents of herbs, anise, and herbal remembrances without stylistic cosmetics. Imagine taking a walk on a Scottish beach with a kerosene lantern in your hand.
What does the Big Peat whisky taste like?
The mouth is structured, full, very salty, and warm, with peat flavors that enrich the sip without ever being suffocating. Overall, it has an excellent balance between salt, smoke, and citrus. It moves decisively but never hesitates. A whisky for those who love marine and smoked Islay spirits, but with an excellent herbaceous presence. The sharp and aromatic touch of Caol Ila is dominant, as often happens for Blended Malt Scotch Whisky.
Price of Big Peat whisky
50-55 euros, an honest price for a good quality distillate.
Food pairings
Excellent with smoked foods or desserts: chocolate salami, apple pie, sbrisolona cake, chocolate semifreddo.