Douglas Laing & Co. has released two limited-edition whiskies for the colder months, marking the first time their Big Peat brand has joined the Scallywag in offering a winter variant.
Douglas Laing’s Winter Edition Debuts Ice Wine and Madeira Finishes
The Glasgow-based independent bottler unveiled its seasonal offerings this week, featuring distinctive cask finishes designed for winter drinking. Scallywag Winter Edition returns with a new frosted glass bottle design and ice wine cask finish from Eastern Europe, while Big Peat makes its winter debut with a Madeira wine cask finish.
Both expressions maintain Douglas Laing’s commitment to natural color and non-chill filtration. The Scallywag Winter Edition is bottled at 52.4% ABV, while Big Peat Winter Edition comes in at 53.6% ABV.
According to official tasting notes, the Scallywag offers “dark chocolate, candied orange and warm festive spices,” while Big Peat delivers “sweet malt, sea spray and salted caramel on the nose, followed by a molasses-rich palate with burnt orange, coal dust and phenolic firepower.”
Winter Edition Packaging Targets Collectors and Gift Market
The releases feature contrasting packaging approaches aimed at different consumer segments. Big Peat Winter Edition arrives in an embossed carton with gold foil detailing, while Scallywag is sold bottle-only to showcase its frosted glass and cracked ice design effect.
“This isn’t a reinvention, it’s an evolution. Big Peat has always embraced the elements, and our Winter Edition showcases his depth and adaptability in the face of nature’s coldest, wildest season,” said Chloe Wood, Big Peat Brand Manager.
The Speyside-based Scallywag brand has released winter editions previously, but this marks a new direction with the ice wine cask finish. Scott Morrison, Scallywag Senior Brand Manager, noted that the brand included a hidden fox terrier design element beneath the ice effect on the bottle.
Both whiskies target the premium segment of the market. The Scallywag Winter Edition retails for £60 (approximately $80), while Big Peat Winter Edition is priced at £65.00 (around $87). The releases are available at select retailers and through Douglas Laing’s online channels.
Douglas Laing & Co., established in 1948, specializes in blended malt scotch whiskies and single cask releases. The family-owned company operates from Glasgow and is known for brands including Big Peat, Scallywag, Timorous Beastie, and Rock Island.
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