What Is Peat?

Peat is partially decayed organic matter — primarily sphagnum moss, heather, and other vegetation — compressed over thousands of years in waterlogged ground. Scottish distillers burned peat to dry malted barley.

The smoke contains phenolic compounds that infuse the grain and carry through into the final spirit.

How Is Peatiness Measured?

Peatiness is measured in phenol parts per million (ppm) in the malted barley:

• **Lightly peated:** Under 15 ppm (e.g., Highland Park, Springbank)
• **Moderately peated:** 15–35 ppm (e.g., Bowmore, Caol Ila)
• **Heavily peated:** 35–50 ppm (e.g., Laphroaig, Talisker)
• **Ultra-peated:** 50+ ppm (e.g., Ardbeg Supernova at 100 ppm)

Islay: The Home of Peat

Eight active distilleries share a tiny windswept island, each producing a distinctly different expression of smoke.

Ardbeg — Ultra-peated at around 55 ppm, yet complex and integrated. Green fruits, vanilla, and dark chocolate weave through the peat. The Uigeadail is exceptional.

Laphroaig — Scotland’s most polarising distillery. Medicinal, intensely smoky, and coastal — TCP, seaweed, and brine alongside the peat. The 10 Year Old is the definitive entry point.

Lagavulin — Rich, full-bodied, and deeply complex. The 16 Year Old balances massive smoke with dried fruit, toffee, and dark chocolate. The benchmark for what peated whisky can achieve.

Caol Ila — The most subtle of the Islay distilleries. Lighter smoke, clean and oily, with a coastal character. Excellent for those new to peat.

Bowmore — Old-school Islay. A balance of peat, sherry influence, and coastal salinity.

Kilchoman — One of Scotland’s few fully self-sufficient farm distilleries. Their Machir Bay is consistently excellent.

Bruichladdich — Produces both ultra-peated Octomore and non-peated Classic Laddie. The most experimental distillery on the island.

Bunnahabhain — Unusually unpeated for Islay, with a maritime, coastal character.

Peated Whisky Beyond Islay

• **Highland Park (Orkney)** — Lightly peated with heather honey. One of the most balanced whiskies in Scotland.
• **Talisker (Skye)** — Maritime and peppery with moderate peat. The 18 Year Old is extraordinary.
• **Springbank (Campbeltown)** — Lightly peated with an oily, coastal complexity.

How to Approach Peated Whisky for the First Time

1. **Highland Park 12 Year Old** — Accessible, balanced, and a gateway to peat.
2. **Bowmore 12 Year Old** — Moderate smoke with sherry influence. A great stepping stone.
3. **Caol Ila 12 Year Old** — Clean, coastal smoke without intensity.
4. **Talisker 10 Year Old** — Peppery and maritime. A different style of smoke entirely.

Once calibrated, move to Lagavulin 16, then Laphroaig, then Ardbeg.

Browse our peated whisky selection or contact our team for tailored recommendations.