Peated whisky is one of those divisive profiles that tends to evoke strong opinions—either love at first sip or an immediate aversion. But much like seasoning in cooking, peat can be approached with nuance: a little can add intrigue, while a heavy hand delivers bold intensity.
Suppose you’re curious about exploring this distinctive style. In that case, the five whiskies featured below offer a fresh take on peat and smoke, showcasing unique expressions that set them apart from the usual suspects like Laphroaig or Lagavulin. Whether you’re new to peated whiskies or simply looking for something a little different in 2025, these bottles are an excellent starting point for diving into this ‘love it or hate it’ world.
Signup now to make sure you don't miss out on the latest whiskey news and deals.
By Signing up, you accept and agree to our Terms of Services and you acknowledge our Privacy Statement. The Whiskey Wash is protected by reCAPTCHA, and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
What Is Peat & How Is It Used In Whisky?
Peat is a natural, compacted material formed over thousands of years from decayed vegetation and organic matter, typically found in wetland areas like bogs and moors.
In whisky production, peat is used as a fuel source to dry malted barley during the malting process. When burned, it releases aromatic smoke that infuses the barley, imparting distinct smoky, earthy, or medicinal flavors to the whisky.
The intensity and character of the peat influence can vary depending on factors such as the type of peat, the region it comes from, and the amount used during malting. Islay is particularly famous for its use of peat.
Loch Lomond 14 Year Old
BUY NOW: $62
I’ve praised this single malt before, and for good reason. It’s a remarkable example of how a whisky can deliver smoky flavors without relying on peat. That’s right: no peated malt is used in the Loch Lomond 14 Year Old.
The secret lies in its finish, achieved through heavily charred French oak barrels. This imparts a culinary-style smokiness that caught me completely off guard the first time I tasted it.
The journey begins with sweet, toffee-driven notes, followed by a subtle salty and spicy evolution. As those flavors fade, a pseudo-peatiness emerges, offering a beautifully layered experience that showcases the full potential of Scottish whisky. It’s an incredible bottle that excels on every level.
Yoichi Single Malt
BUY NOW: $75
Heading over to Japan—a country not traditionally known for peated whiskies—this one stands out as something special. Produced on the island of Hokkaido in northern Japan, Yoichi embodies the look and feel of an old-school Scottish distillery. It even takes a more traditional approach, as they still use coal fires to heat their stills.
The smoky character in this whisky is present but lacks the sharp intensity often found in some Scottish peated whiskies. Instead, Yoichi offers a balanced, slightly sweet smokiness that carries a sense of drama. It’s not just a flavor; it’s an experience, with a remarkable weight and texture that lingers in your mouth for ages.
While Japanese whisky prices are gradually becoming more approachable and more brands are entering the market, this bottle is an excellent choice for those looking to explore peated whisky.
Highland Park 15 Year Old
BUY NOW: $110
Here’s another unique take on peated whisky! Highland Park has long been known for crafting some of Scotland’s most approachable peated whiskies. They achieve this through the use of high-quality casks, previously filled with bourbon and sherry, combined with a lower peat level compared to other peated whiskies.
Their peat is distinctive as well—less influenced by seaweed and underwater vegetation, and more rooted in bark, heather, and land-based foliage. The result is a whisky that’s wonderfully floral, with aromas of coffee, honey, and chocolate, all beautifully complemented by a touch of smoke that adds depth and complexity.
It’s a perfect example of how, just like seasoning food, a little smoke can go a long way.
Ardnamurchan Single Malt
BUY NOW: $56
One of my favorite new distilleries in the world is Ardnamurchan. Their standard single malt release combines both peated and unpeated stocks, resulting in a whisky with an incredible sense of balance and approachability. For those with a sweeter preference, they also offer a sherry cask release with a similar composition. However, this mostly ex-bourbon cask release shines with its salty coastal notes, complemented by touches of sweetness from malted barley, biscuits, and caramel.
I’ve been a fan since their very first bottle and am still on the hunt for a bottle of their first official 10 Year Old release. You don’t need to go to the lengths I do to collect every release—I’m admittedly a fanboy—but if you’re looking for something peaty that won’t overwhelm your taste buds with smoke, this is a fantastic choice.
Ardnahoe 5 Year Old Inaugural Release
BUY NOW: $88
A literal brand new release from a brand new distillery on Islay. Ardnahoe does now have a standard bottle in their range, Infinite Loch. I’m yet to try this so can’t comment on it. However, the inaugural release was absolute dynamite!
Trending Stories
A 5 Year Old single malt, at 50% and moderately peated – for some of you that could set alarm bells ringing. A majority of it was matured in first-fill bourbon casks, and as a result, the whisky took on this incredibly soft, sweet, gently smoky style.
The company I work for, The Whisky Shop, has the UK and world-exclusive release of this whisky, and part of my job was to film people’s first reactions to it. Never before have I seen people take to something so easily that on paper really wouldn’t be their kind of whisky. I’ve gone through two bottles of the stuff and it is one of the best first-release whiskies I’ve ever had.
Latest News