Best Peated Whiskies: Top Smoky Scotch Picks for 2025

Peated whisky is not for the faint of heart.

It is bold, smoky and unforgettable.

If you love a dram that hits with flavour and fire, then peated Scotch should be on your radar.

This guide will walk you through the best peated whiskies you can buy in 2025.

From Islay icons to Highland surprises, there’s a bottle here for every type of whisky drinker.

What is peated whisky?

Peated whisky is made using malted barley that’s dried over burning peat.

Peat is a type of soil made from decomposed plant matter, mostly found in Scotland.

When burned, it creates a thick, earthy smoke.

That smoke infuses the barley, leaving behind smoky, medicinal and sometimes spicy flavours.

The intensity of peat is measured in phenol parts per million, or PPM.

The higher the number, the smokier the whisky tends to be.

How we chose the best peated whiskies

We tasted dozens of bottles from different distilleries.

We looked at peat levels, balance, finish and overall drinkability.

Price was another factor.

Not everyone wants to spend $300 on a single bottle.

We picked whiskies that offer great value at every price point.

We also included a mix of regions, styles and aging methods.

Lastly, we considered what real drinkers are saying - not just critics.

Top 10 best peated whiskies to try in 2025

1. Ardbeg Uigeadail

This is a monster of a whisky.

Heavy smoke, deep sherry influence and a punchy 54.2% ABV.

You’ll taste molasses, leather, smoked meat and black coffee.

It’s big, aggressive and surprisingly balanced for such a beast.

2. Lagavulin 16 Year Old

The poster child for smoky Scotch.

This one delivers waves of peat, iodine and sea salt.

It’s rich but smooth, powerful but elegant.

If you only try one peated whisky, make it this.

3. Laphroaig 10 Year Old

This one divides opinion like no other.

You’ll either love its medicinal, smoky blast or hate it.

Notes of seaweed, rubber and antiseptic dominate the profile.

But for fans, it’s heaven in a glass.

4. Talisker 10 Year Old

This Isle of Skye whisky brings smoke and spice together beautifully.

You get chilli pepper heat, brine and a long smoky finish.

It’s rugged, maritime and full of character.

One of the most consistently loved peated malts on the market.

5. Octomore 13.1

This whisky laughs in the face of subtlety.

With over 130 PPM, it’s among the smokiest whiskies ever made.

Yet it somehow remains balanced and drinkable.

Think burnt sugar, toasted oak and smouldering embers.

6. Caol Ila 12 Year Old

If you want something smoky but approachable, this is perfect.

It’s fresh, coastal and just a little medicinal.

Notes of citrus and apple sneak through the smoke.

A great intro to Islay peat.

7. Compass Box Peat Monster

A blended malt that lives up to its name.

This one is smoky, savoury and complex.

You’ll get notes of bacon, ash and grilled peaches.

Proof that blends can be bold too.

8. Highland Park 12 Year Old

This Orkney classic offers a gentler type of peat.

Think heather smoke, honey and a touch of spice.

It’s elegant and accessible.

A solid pick for newcomers and seasoned drinkers alike.

9. BenRiach Smoky Twelve

Most Speyside whiskies avoid peat - this one embraces it.

Aged in bourbon, sherry and marsala casks, it’s rich and smoky.

Think charred fruit, cinnamon and dark chocolate.

It’s a surprise that keeps delivering.

10. Bowmore 15 Year Old “Darkest”

This is peat and sherry working in harmony.

You get dried fruit, spice, smoke and a long chocolate finish.

It’s luxurious without being overpowering.

A whisky that rewards slow sipping.

Where peated whiskies come from

Islay is the spiritual home of peated whisky.

It’s where distilleries like Laphroaig, Ardbeg and Lagavulin built their legends.

Whiskies from here are often intensely smoky, briny and bold.

The Highlands also produce peated whisky, but usually in a more restrained style.

Brands like Ardmore bring a dry, earthy kind of smoke.

The Islands - such as Skye and Orkney - offer a unique blend of smoke, salt and spice.

Talisker and Highland Park lead the charge.

Speyside is better known for sweet, fruity malts.

But a few, like BenRiach, break the mould with smoky expressions.

Best peated whisky for value

Not all great peated whisky has to cost a fortune.

Ardmore Legacy and BenRiach Smoky Ten both offer solid peat for under $100.

They’re approachable in price and flavour.

A great starting point if you're on a budget.

Best peated whisky for beginners

If you’re new to peat, ease in slowly.

Try Highland Park 12 or Talisker 10.

Both offer balance between smoke, sweetness,and spice.

You won’t feel overwhelmed, but you’ll still get that smoky kick.

Best peated whisky for collectors

Looking for something rare or collectible?

Check out the Octomore range or Ardbeg’s annual special releases.

These bottles tend to sell fast and increase in value over time.

They also look great on a shelf and taste even better in a glass.

Final thoughts

Peated whisky is not subtle - and that’s the point.

It’s powerful, rich and filled with character.

Whether you prefer a gentle wisp of smoke or an all-out peat explosion, there’s a bottle on this list for you.

Take your time, try a few and let your palate explore the smoky side of Scotch.