A peat-packed whisky doesn’t just have to be a mouthful of smoke. It turns out that they often have the most complex palates of all, developing flavours and notes long after the finish, says Dan Cooper
Octomore Islay Barley
Bruichladdich and its merry band of drams have been trying to crack the ‘peatiest whisky’ nut for a number of years, and finally found success in 2015. With a staggering 258ppm in their Octomore Islay Barley, this entirely natural whisky goes through what Bruichladdich describe as a “painfully” long process of trickle distillation to achieve the official world’s peatiest whisky. As dramatic as it sounds, you really need to try it to believe it. 70cl / 64% ABV Buy now
Notes: Intense and fiery, the palate is an explosive rush of flavours – red and black grapes, toffee, honey, chocolate, oak – that just keep on developing. The finish is one of those 10-minute stints that just doesn’t end.
Ardbeg Supernova
Hailing the impressive success of the Supernova 2009, Ardbeg were quick to release a 2010 edition to their legions of admirers. Coming in at more than 100ppm, the Ardbeg distillery continue to champion the Islay tradition of peaty whiskies. 70cl / 46% ABV Buy now
Notes: The palate is inspiring, with an initial charcoal and salty tone. The velocity soon picks up developing into hot peppercorn, chilli and liquorice, followed by that traditional briny edge that Ardbeg champion. The finish is potent, full of tobacco and cocoa heat.
Lagavulin 12 Year Old
Lagavulin like their 12-year expression so much that they have released one every year since the millennium. With subtle differences coming into play with each edition, including the colouring and phenol count, the 12-year edition is widely regarded as much peatier than its 16-year cousin. 70cl / 55% ABV Buy now
Notes: Dry and heavily peaty on the palate, with high notes of seaweed and botanicals, soon gathering sweetness and charcoal. The finish is seemingly never-ending, developing into a very rich air of dark chocolate.
Laphroaig 10 Year Old
The Laphroaig 10 Year Old is the most decorated out of our picks, with more than a couple of dozen awards under its belt. If you’re looking for a seriously refined taste and the true flavour of Islay, this is where you should start. 70cl / 40% ABV Buy now
Notes: A traditional salty taste, with sweet fruity hints. The palate soon grows in thickness and body with layers of peat, smoke and an almost medicinal tone.
Compass Box Whisky The Peat Monster
Compass Box Whisky is an emerging group of artisan whisky makers, recently receiving investment from Bacardi. Despite producing such a fine young whisky, The Peat Monster is deceiving in that it has all the complexities and hallmarks of a mature dram. If you’ve fallen in love with it like we have, it also comes in a monster magnum-sized edition. 70cl / 46% ABV Buy now
Notes: Fairly sweet to begin with moving into a compelling smoky bacon and copper aroma. The finish is potent and long, full of floral notes of camomile, spice and oak.
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