Single Malt Whisky can be split into two flavour categories; typically, these two categories are differentiated as smoky or smooth, otherwise known as peated or unpeated. Whilst the majority of peated whiskies hail from the Islay region in Scotland, examples of peated whisky can be found worldwide. As the name suggests, peated whisky attains its distinct smoky flavour from the peat fires used to dry malt. The peat is sourced from naturally occurring peat bogs, which are usually found in areas that have high rainfall and low drainage. The level of peatiness in a whisky is often referred to as a PPM (phenol parts per million). This number gives an indication of how much peat can be found in the malted barley used, with higher numbers indicating a more peaty and smoky whisky. The Octomore range from Bruichladdich is a prime example of heavily peated whisky; it frequently holds the record for the world’s most peaty whisky. Of course there are many superb examples of peated whisky, such as Ardbeg, Laphroaig, Caol Ila and Lagavulin.

After great consideration, we’ve collected eight of our favourite peated whiskies to share. All available to purchase now for less than £100, making them the perfect gift this festive season.

1. Laphroaig 10 Year Old Cask Strength Batch 015

Region: Islay
Cask: Charred ex-Bourbon barrels
PPM: ~60

Fully encompassing the taste created by the land, sea and air of Islay, this expression from Laphroaig is as pure as it gets. After resting in oak for a decade, the spirit is barrier-filtered to remove unwanted char particles. Not for the faint of heart, this expression is bracingly full-bodied; bottled at cask strength, the whisky holds a robust ABV of 56.5%. Batch 015 is full of rich aromas of leather, tobacco and smoked cedar with some sweet cereals and manuka honey. Sweet and smoky on the palate, experience toffee, barbecued marshmallows, crushed cinnamon and a hint of white pepper. The finish is floral, with spicy oak tannins, iodine and sea salt.

2. Ardbeg Uigeadail

Region: Islay
Cask: Bourbon and Sherry casks
PPM: 50

This beauty has won award after award since its release in 2003. Pronounced “Oog-a-dal” this expression is a special vatting that marries Ardbeg’s traditional deep, smoky notes with luscious, raisin-y notes of old ex-sherry casks. This expression is non chill-filtered and bottled at a punchy 54.2% ABV. Expect heavy aromas of rich fruit, walnut oil and campfire embers. The mouth-coating texture is initially sweet on the palate, with notes of honey and chewy treacle. The flavours develop and become more complex, with waves of fine cigar-like smoke. A long, lingering finish features notes of mocha, raisins and more aromatic smoke.

3. Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Region: Islay
Cask: Oak
PPM: 35

Known as the “King Of Islay” Lagavulin has been revered by connoisseurs and novices alike for decades. The 16 year old expression is one of the world’s favourite malt whiskies, winning many awards every year. Matured exclusively in oak barrels for over 16 years, this single malt has a massive peat-smoke flavour typical of southern Islay - aromas of iodine and seaweed are followed by a deep sweetness. Dry smoke fills the palate with a more gentle sweetness and some sea salt. The finish is long and elegant, with lots of coastal notes. This expression is considered the benchmark of all Lagavulin whiskies

4. Ledaig 18 Year Old

Region: Islands
Cask: Oloroso Sherry cask finish
PPM: 40

Meaning “safe haven”, Ledaig is the name given to the Tobermory distillery’s heavily peated expressions. All the core range expressions are bottled at 46.3% ABV in the same fashion as their Tobermory siblings. The 18 year old has been finished in ex-Oloroso Sherry casks giving a bold and rich whisky. Released as a member of the core range in 2019, this bottle continues to make waves in the whisky world. Rich, fruity aromas are balanced with seaweed, black pepper and sweet oak. On the palate there are powerful sherry notes with herbal and smoky flavours, some orange peel, tobacco and a hint of white pepper. The finish is long and pungent with more smoke, some liquorice and sea spray.

5. Caol Ila - The Distillers Edition 2021

Region: Islands
Cask: American Oak and finished in Moscatel Wine casks
PPM: 35

Each year, Diageo releases a limited collection of whiskies called The Distillers Edition. In 2021, we were graced with this brilliant, refined whisky from Caol Ila distillery in the Islay region. Aged for over 18 years, this expression is a delight from start to finish. Concentrated aromas of peat are followed by spicy and fragrant fruit notes. The first impression on the palate is a sweet maltiness, which is quickly overwhelmed by peat smoke and intense, crisp bonfire flavours leading to cinnamon. The finish is long, robust and multi-layered. Limited quantities of this expression are available.

6. The GlenDronach Traditionally Peated

Region: Highlands
Cask: Pedro Ximenez, Oloroso Sherry and Port casks
PPM: ~20

While GlenDronach are typically known for their heavily sherried, unpeated Speyside style, this Highland distillery used to burn peat in the kiln towards the end of barley malting to create a rich, warm, earthy smoke. Because of this, all the whisky created at the GlenDronach was slightly peaty. However, since they’ve stopped floor malting, this is no longer the case. As a nod to the past, Traditionally Peated was created. Notes of Highland toffee and treacle meld with dark honey and coal-smoked barley. Burnt orange and treacle mingle on the palate with cloves and smoked bramble. The flavours linger into the finish with hints of liquorice and dark fruit developing.

7. Balvenie Stories #2 - The Week Of Peat

Region: Speyside
Cask: American Oak
PPM: ~30

Balvenie is another distillery not synonymous with peated whisky. However, The Week Of Peat is a limited release from this traditionally unpeated distillery. After a visit to Islay, distillery manager Ian Millar noticed a one-week gap in the distillery schedule and saw an opportunity to experiment with the Balvenie. He ordered a batch of Speyside peat, and The Week Of Peat was born. Bottled in 2019, this limited release has a typical Balvenie flavour profile rich in honey, vanilla and citrus which is then followed by an extra layer of delicate smokiness.

8. Machrie Moor - Peated Lochranza Malt

Region: Islands
Cask: Oak
PPM: 20

Located on the west coast of the Isle of Arran is a peat bog strewn with Bronze Age stone circles. Rich in mystery and lore, the name of this fabled peat bog is Machrie Moor. Much like the relationship between Tobermory and Ledaig, Lochranza distillery have divided their releases into two brands; unpeated malt expressions are Arran, the peated malt expressions are Machrie Moor. This expression perfectly balances the classic fresh character of Arran malt with peat smoke. Aromas of light smoke and citrus continue onto the palate with additional notes of grass and vanilla. The finish is sweet and smoky with lingering hints of pineapple.

All of these peated whiskies are incredible in their own way. Ranging from medicinal to fresh and sweet, it proves that peated whisky doesn’t just have one smoky flavour. Treat your peat-loving friend to one of these sensational drams this Christmas or check out our Christmas gifting section for more inspiration.