Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2025: Limited Islay Whisky Releases

Douglas Laing & Co. unveils two limited editions in celebration of Fèis Ìle

The iconic independent bottler Douglas Laing & Co. has released its highly anticipated Big Peat Fèis Ìle Limited Edition 2025, a small batch Islay Blended Malt crafted as a tribute to the island’s legendary whisky culture. Bottled at a robust 50% ABV, this 2010 vintage showcases the unmistakable maritime smokiness fans have come to love. Available now through select specialist retailers, this edition is priced at €84.

Adding to the excitement, Douglas Laing also introduces a single cask Big Peat bottling, distilled in 2010 and matured exclusively in refill hogsheads. Selected personally by Fred Laing and bottled at natural cask strength of 55.4% ABV, this rare release is limited to only 150 bottles and will be available exclusively on Islay during the Fèis Ìle festival.

Design and Presentation

The Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition comes in a premium presentation with foil-enhanced packaging and a distinctive label that captures the essence of the Big Peat brand. Each element reflects the craftsmanship and storytelling that defines the series—rugged, bold, and undeniably Islay.

Maturation and Flavor Profile

The 2010 vintage for both expressions matured in refill hogsheads, allowing the spirit's natural character to shine. The Fèis Ìle bottling delivers sweet smoke layered with coastal salinity and a signature BBQ smokiness, true to the Big Peat profile. The single cask release, bottled just shy of 15 years, offers elevated notes of citrus, salted sweetness, nuttiness, and oak—a richer, more intense take on Islay’s raw beauty.

Master Blender's Statement

Chloe Wood, Big Peat Brand Manager, explains:

“Big Peat was always designed to tell the story of Islay—through whisky selection, cask management, and flavor. This special release hides behind no heavy cask finish. Instead, it highlights the power of exceptional casks and expert maturation, delivering a whisky full of character from the very first sip.”

Fred Laing, Chairman of Douglas Laing, adds on the single cask:

“This particular cask ticked all our quality boxes—so much so that we decided to bottle it just before it reached 15 years old.”

Tasting Notes

Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2025 Edition:

Sweet peat smoke with coastal salinity
Sugary seaweed, coal dust, and soot
Lingering BBQ ash finish

Big Peat 2010 Single Cask (Cask Strength):

Bright citrus zest and salted sweetness
Roasted nuts and seasoned oak
Amplified Islay character in every drop

Conclusion

Douglas Laing’s Big Peat Fèis Ìle 2025 offerings capture the heart and soul of Islay whisky. Whether enjoying the wider release or securing one of the 150 single cask bottles on Islay, these editions stand as true celebrations of Islay’s smoky, maritime legacy. For collectors and peat lovers alike, they are not to be missed.

About the author

Spiritory Team

Spiritory is a team of dedicated Whisky, Rum and Spirits Enthusiast. Our passion for the product, craftmanship and art of producing the finest spirits in the world will be represented in every article we write on our blog-page. Our goal is to produce content which is interesting to read and for a broad base of consumers, enthusiasts, investors and collectors.