Douglas Laing Launches Winter Cognac & Wine Cask Malts
Dual Unveiling: Scallywag Cask Strength Cognac Edition & Big Peat 10-Year Wine Cask Finish
Glasgow-based independent bottler Douglas Laing has announced the release of winter limited editions from two of its core malt Scotch whisky brands: a Cognac cask-finished Scallywag Winter Edition, and a French red wine cask-finished Big Peat Winter Edition.
Scallywag Speyside Malt: Cask Strength Cognac Finish
The Scallywag Speyside Malt Winter Edition was finished in Cognac casks from the French Cognac region and bottled at a natural cask strength of 54.2% ABV. Official tasting notes highlight aromas of stewed orchard fruits, honeyed malt, gentle vanilla, and warming spices. The palate delivers caramel, dark chocolate, and ripe berries, transitioning into warm oak notes and a long, spiced-sweet finish. Senior Brand Manager Scott Morrison noted that the Cognac cask finish lends an elegant depth to the liquid, layering vibrant fruit, chocolate, and spice characteristics suited for colder months.
Big Peat Islay Malt: 10-Year Age Statement with Red Wine Cask Finish
The Big Peat Islay Malt Winter Edition carries a 10-year age statement, having spent its final 16 months maturing in hand-selected French red wine casks before being bottled at 48% ABV. Its aroma is driven by warm earth and smoke, accompanied by dark forest berries, vanilla, and toffee. The palate reveals toffee, dark chocolate, and subtle nutty nuances, complemented by a finish of baking spices and dry peat smoke.
Cara Laing, Managing Director at Douglas Laing, stated that the Big Peat Winter Edition continues to explore the synergy between smoke and sweetness, with the wine cask finish elevating the whisky's earthy peat base while introducing vibrant red fruit tones for a robust, winter-ready dram.
Remarkable Regional Malts Series and Heritage
Both winter limited releases are non-chill filtered and contain no artificial colouring. Big Peat was introduced in 2009 as the inaugural expression of the Remarkable Regional Malts range, combining single malts from iconic Islay distilleries such as Ardbeg, Caol Ila, Bowmore, and Port Ellen. Scallywag debuted in 2013, inspired by the Laing family's fox terriers.
The collection currently includes Scallywag (Speyside), Big Peat (Islay), Timorous Beastie (Highlands), Rock Island (Islands), The Gauldrons (Campbeltown), and The Epicurean (Lowlands). Douglas Laing was founded in 1948 by Fred Douglas Laing and remains family-owned and operated by Fred Laing Jr and Cara Laing.
📅 Release Date: 2026-09-26
🔗 Source: The Whiskey Wash