Today I look at the second of the Big Peat samples that I got from Remarkable Malts to celebrate the 10th-anniversary release of the smoky sailor. But I decided to jump right to the end and try the Big Peat 26 yo Platinum Edition blended malt Scotch whisky.
I know, logically I should have gone for the Big Peat Original first and then the special Feis Ile release before opening the old man, but patience has never been my biggest virtue.
After tasting the Big Peat 10 yo blended malt whisky, I was curious to see what an additional 16 years would do to the peaty and smoky gentleman. Big Peat 26 yo is a blended malt comprising whisky from Islay’s most sought after malt whiskies.
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It is the oldest Remarkable Malts Big Peat ever released. It is the second release in a three-part Vintage series. The first was the Big Peat 25 yo Gold Edition released in 2018. The goal of the Vintage series is to show the salty sailors’ more mature side.
The Big Peat 26 yo Scotch whisky is bottled at cask strength and was not chill-filtered and has a natural colour. Distillation Date: 1992.
Big Peat 26 yo Whisky Review
REGION: Islay
ABV: 51.5%
COLOUR: Golden
NOSE: Very unique. It has notes of peat, smoky BBQ, burnt wood, salt and seaweed with a fruity sweetness. Big and bold.
PALATE: Peat, ash and smoke balanced with honey sweetness and salted caramel. Hints of coastal notes, lemon meringue tart and salty wind. When you add a bit of water, the more medicinal and earthy notes come forward. It reminded me of a fish braai (BBQ) on the beach. It is big and bold but wonderfully satisfying.
FINISH: Long and lingering. Hints of sea air and peat just warming you up from the inside.
RATING: DIVINE
O my word. I have fallen head of over heels in love with the salty gentleman this year. I have tasted quite a few of his releases during this year, and it is delicious. This is not the most complex release. However, it is perfectly balanced, there is no alcohol heat, and it just warms your soul up.
The BBQ notes make it unique and delicious. Even without water, it is easy drinking and just totally rewarding. I can easily sit next to the braai and slowly finish a bottle. That is for me always the best way to properly rate a whisky. Do I want another glass of this or not?
The Big Peat 26 yo Platinum edition is a limited release of only 3 000 bottles. A minimal number of this edition will be making their way to SA. So if you see it, grab it! It is worth it.
Sample disclosure: I received this sample from Douglas Laing. Though received as part of a promotional event, the review and tasting notes are my honest, fair and independent thoughts on the whisky.
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