In celebration of Douglas Laing’s illustrious 75-year history in the Whisky industry, the Big Peat Mizunara Cask Edition is a limited edition bottling which uniquely blends Scottish and Japanese influences. Priced at £150.00, this special bottling is intended to reflect the character and persona created for the Big Peat brand over time whilst also delivering a premium, limited edition line extension which engages Whisky enthusiasts globally.

Established in 2009, Big Peat Islay Malt Scotch Whisky is a stalwart in Douglas Laing portfolio. The brand has become synonymous with boldness, character, and the quintessential Islay peat smoke flavour experience, evolving into a revered and much loved name among Whisky enthusiasts.

The brief was ultimately to create a premium and “mature” pack sympathetic to the brand whilst introducing a Japanese influence.

The design approach for the Mizunara Cask Edition had dual objectives: to seamlessly blend Scottish and Japanese influences and to visually embody the Big Peat legacy within the packaging with a premium touch.

By incorporating traditional Japanese patterns – Asanoha and Seigaiha (symbolic of strength, power, and waves) – the design not only paid homage to the Mizunara oak but also echoed the enduring spirit of Big Peat, the fisherman from Islay.

The meticulous design process enveloped the iconic Big Peat within a Japanese Enso, symbolising a “circle of togetherness.” Gold foil accents and embossing were carefully chosen elements, not mere embellishments, but deliberate nods to the brand’s journey of excellence. The outcome, the Big Peat Mizunara Cask Edition, stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of the Big Peat brand, presented within a visually and tactilely collaborative packaging that exudes premium, luxury cues.

This design achieves monumental impact, elevating the brand’s image and positioning Big Peat as a premium and very credible offering at the pinnacle of both tradition and innovation. The Enso symbolises unity, gold foil denotes opulence, and embossing imparts a tangible quality – collectively enriching the overall Whisky experience. Claire Coetzee, Head of Creative at Douglas Laing, expresses pride, stating, “The Big Peat Mizunara Cask Edition not only met but exceeded expectations. It perfectly captures the essence of this milestone expression, reflecting the harmonious marriage of tradition and innovation.”

The Big Peat Mizunara Cask Edition stands as a testament to a meticulous design journey, a visually and culturally resonant packaging that strategically fuses Scottish and Japanese elements. Beyond honouring Douglas Laing’s 75-year legacy, it magnifies the enduring essence of the Big Peat brand, offering consumers an unforgettable sensory and cultural experience, presented in a premium pack.

Cara Laing, Director of Whisky comments: “The Big Peat Mizunara Cask Edition was a perfect example of Douglas Laing pushing boundaries in terms of spirit and packaging. Mizunara oak remains a rare cask type and the accompanying packaging is a reflection of that. The level of thought, research, care and attention to detail which Claire put into crafting this pack for us mirrors the skill and time spent on producing this specialist Whisky.”

The success of the packaging was confirmed when all stock produced was presold within 4 hours of communications being issued to global partners followed by numerous requests for additional stock.