The Best Peated, Smoky, Whiskies

Peated whisky has a smoky character to it. Peated whiskies are made with malt that has been dried over peat fires. This peat smoke is what gives the whisky a distinct smoky flavour and aroma, which is often described as earthy, medicinal, or leathery. The intensity of the smoky flavour can vary greatly depending on the amount of peat used in the drying process and the length of time the malt is exposed to the peat smoke.

Peated whisky is primarily associated with Scotch whisky, particularly those from the island of Islay. But it can also be found in other styles of whisky, and many new, artisan distilleries like experimenting with peat.

Here are some of my favourite peated whiskies from independent brands.