Big Peat Sherry Finish - Rock Edition | Whisky Review
Physical Whisky Characteristics
- Origin: Islay, Scotland.
- Type: Small batch Islay blended malt whisky.
- Distillation & Maturation: This edition is sherry finished, a rarity for the Big Peat brand.
- Age Statement: Not specified.
- ABV: 48%.
- Color: Dark, indicative of sherry influence.
- Clarity: Non-chill filtered and non-colored, suggesting a natural appearance.
- Bottle Design: Features an illustration of a fisherman with a big nose playing a guitar, symbolizing the Rock Edition theme. Limited to 1200 bottles, making it a collectible.
Whisky Flavor Profile
- General Profile: Sweet and phenolic with a prominent bonfire note, not overly peaty.
- Unique Characteristics: The whisky combines 40 ppm smoke with a sweet, fruity sherry note on top, creating a balanced and complex profile.
- Balance of Flavors: The 40 ppm peat smoke harmonizes with the intense whisky taste, allowing for immediate appreciation of the aromas from the first sip.
- Comparison: While not directly compared to other whiskies, its unique sherry finish and Islay origin set it apart.
Whisky Storytelling
- Part of Big Pete's World Tour, the Rock Edition is the 12th bottle, specially made for Germany.
- The bottle's design, featuring a fisherman at a rock concert, tells a story of its theme and exclusivity.
- Horst Luening, the senior taster, emphasizes the collaboration and selection process by their company, highlighting the personal touch in creating this edition.
Cultural or Geographical Significance
- Islay whiskies are renowned for their peaty character, and Big Peat Sherry Finish - Rock Edition is a testament to this tradition, with a unique twist through sherry finishing.
- The World Tour concept celebrates global appreciation for Islay whiskies, with this edition spotlighting Germany.
Expert Opinions and Noteworthy Quotes
- "This is sweet phenolic with bonfire notes...not this stinky, just rarely burning, smoldering paint. No, this is bonfire note in it. With a sweet, fruity sherry note on top." - Horst Luening
- "So this has to be wonderful because we did it together." - Reflecting on the collaboration and selection process for this special edition.
Summary
- Big Peat Sherry Finish - Rock Edition is a limited, small batch Islay blended malt whisky with a sherry finish.
- It features a unique flavor profile combining sweet, fruity sherry notes with a bonfire peatiness, balanced at 40 ppm.
- The whisky is part of Big Pete's World Tour, specifically made for Germany, and showcases a special bottle design.
- Cultural significance lies in its Islay origin and the global appreciation for such whiskies.
- Expert opinions highlight the unique collaboration and selection process, as well as the distinctive flavor profile.
Recommendations for Different User Profiles
- Peat Lovers: Those who enjoy peaty whiskies but are looking for something with a unique twist will appreciate the balance of smoke and sherry.
- Collectors: Limited to 1200 bottles, this edition is a must-have for collectors, especially those interested in unique bottlings or Islay whiskies.
- Sherry Finish Enthusiasts: Whisky fans who appreciate the complexity added by sherry finishing will find this blend intriguing.
- Beginners with a Bold Palate: New whisky drinkers who are not intimidated by peat and are eager to explore complex profiles might enjoy starting with this distinctive blend.