Top 10 Best Peated Whiskies: A Comprehensive Guide (updated for 2024)

Peated whisky has long been a favorite among connoisseurs and newcomers alike.

Its distinctive smoky flavor and rich aroma sets it apart from other whiskies, making it a sought-after experience for those looking to expand their palate.

In this article, we'll explore what makes a whisky peaty and reveal our top 10 picks for the best peated whisky available.

Craft your own whisky peated

While savoring the best peated whisky is sublime, crafting your own blend could be a thrilling escapade.

Begin by acquiring a whisky smoking kit, complete with wood chips, including peat, and a smoking gun for infusing your whisky with smoky richness.

Selection of a base whisky is crucial; opt for one that’ll harmonize with peat’s earthy tones. Utilize the whisky smoking kit to meticulously incorporate the smoky essence into your whisky.

The infusion can range from minutes to hours, depending on your preference for intensity. Share your homemade spirit with friends; it might just become their best peated whisky.

Engaging in discussions about your creation can also enhance your appreciation and understanding of this noble drink. With a whisky smoking kit in hand, you’re set to explore the craft and passion behind creating a tantalizing peated whisky.

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9 More of the whisky smoker Whiskies to try in 2024

While the Ardbeg Uigeadail tops our list, there are many other fantastic peated whiskies to explore. Here are nine more of the best peated whiskies available:

1. Laphroaig 10 Year Old

As one of the most iconic Islay whiskies, Laphroaig 10 Year Old is a classic example of the best peated whisky.

With a PPM of 40-45, it delivers a robust and smoky experience. The medicinal and maritime notes, combined with hints of sweetness and spice, make it a must-have in any whisky lover's collection.

2. Lagavulin 16 Year Old

Another Islay gem, Lagavulin 16 Year Old is widely regarded as one of the best peated whiskies available.

With a PPM of 35-40, it offers a complex balance of peat smoke, rich dried fruit, and smooth, velvety sweetness.

Its long, smoky finish is a testament to the skillful blending and maturation process.

3. Talisker 10 Year Old

Hailing from the Isle of Skye, Talisker 10 Year Old is a prime example of the best peated whisky from the coastal Highlands.

With a PPM of around 18-22, it strikes a perfect balance between peat, smoke, and maritime character. The palate is rich and full, with notes of pepper, smoke, and a gentle sweetness that lingers on the finish.

4. Caol Ila 12 Year Old

Another excellent Islay whisky, Caol Ila 12 Year Old is often described as one of the more approachable peated whiskies.

With a PPM of 30-35, it presents a delicate balance of smoke, sweetness, and fruity notes.

Its lighter body and refreshing finish make it a great introduction to the world of peated whisky.

5. Octomore 10.1

Bruichladdich's Octomore series is known for its super heavily-peated whiskies, and the 10.1 edition is no exception.

Boasting a staggering PPM of 167, it is one of the most intensely peated whiskies on the market. Despite its high PPM, it maintains a surprising level of balance and complexity, with notes of citrus, vanilla, and oak mingling with the powerful peat smoke.

6. Bowmore 12 Year Old

Bowmore 12 Year Old is a well-rounded Islay whisky that showcases the best peated whisky qualities without being overly aggressive.

With a PPM of 20-25, it offers a moderate level of peatiness accompanied by notes of citrus, honey, and subtle smoke.

It's an ideal option for those looking to explore peated whiskies without diving into the deep end.

7. Kilchoman Machir Bay

Kilchoman Machir Bay is a relatively young Islay distillery that has quickly gained a reputation for producing some of the best peated whisky.

With a PPM of 50, this expression offers a burst of peat smoke, mingled with sweet vanilla and fruity notes.

Its refreshing and clean finish makes it a standout among peated whiskies.

8. Ardmore Legacy

A lesser-known Highland distillery, Ardmore produces some exceptional peated whiskies.

The Ardmore Legacy, with a PPM of 12-14, is a gentle introduction to peated whisky. Its light and approachable character is marked by notes of heather, honey, and subtle peat smoke.

It's a great option for those looking to ease into the world of peated whisky.

9. Port Charlotte 10 Year Old

Port Charlotte, another expression from Bruichladdich, offers a unique take on the best peated whisky with their 10 Year Old release.

With a PPM of 40, it combines the classic Islay peatiness with a more refined and elegant character. Notes of vanilla, citrus, and floral hints intermingle with the peat smoke, resulting in a beautifully balanced and complex dram.

The Art of Peat: What Makes Whisky Peaty?

Peat is a type of soil found in marshy, waterlogged areas, primarily in Scotland and Ireland.

It consists of partially decomposed plant material that has accumulated over thousands of years. When this material is harvested, dried, and burned, it releases a thick, aromatic smoke that has long been used in the production of whisky.

Peatiness in whisky is derived from the malting process, during which barley grains are germinated to create enzymes that will later break down the starches in the grain into fermentable sugars.

To halt the germination, the barley is dried over a peat fire, allowing the smoke to permeate the grains and lend its unique flavors and aromas to the finished product.

The level of peatiness in a whisky is measured using phenol parts per million (PPM). The higher the PPM, the more intense the peat flavors will be. However, the PPM is only a starting point, as other factors such as distillation, maturation, and blending can also influence the final taste profile.

VeryWhiskey wrap up

Finding the best peated whisky comes down to personal preference and the level of peatiness you enjoy.

From the intense smoke of Octomore 10.1 to the gentle peat character of Ardmore Legacy, there's a peated whisky out there to suit every palate. Our top pick, Ardbeg Uigeadail, showcases the perfect balance of peat, smoke, and rich flavor, making it the best peated whisky for those who appreciate the complexities of this unique style.

As you explore the world of peated whiskies, remember that the PPM is just a starting point for understanding the peat character.

Other factors, such as the maturation process and blending, can have a significant impact on the final taste profile.