Peated Scotch is an acquired taste, but it’s one hell of a taste, to be honest. It’s also quite badass: the unmistakable smoky scents and flavors are the result of ancient alchemy - sorcery, really - that turns dead dinosaurs into delicious dram.
The majority of peated Whiskies come from the islands of Islay, known for primordial bogs of peat that’s reputed to bring the best flavors out of Scotch. Luckily for you, all three samples come from this peaty paradise.
The trick in creating such a delicacy like peated Whisky is turning decayed world into a fossil fuel (it grows back, don’t worry) and use it to smoke grains (usually barley). Bricks of peat are set on fire under grates on which grains are evenly distributed, and dried in order to be stored safely without losing their magical germinative capacity. That goes on for 30 hours, while the grains are infused with fumes and thingies called phenols - organic compounds that give peated Whisky that distinctive smoky flavor.
We can also use phenols to measure peatiness - the higher the number (PPM - parts per million), the peatier the Spirit. The peatiest Whisky at the moment is Bruichladdich Octomore 6.3 with 258 PPM - the scientists call that “peaty AF” - while the legendary Lagavulin 16 clocks at 40 PPM.
The Whiskies that’ll introduce you to the treat of peat are Kilchoman Sanaig (50 PPM) with a lovely Sherry influence; Compass Box The Peat Monster (30 PPM) that combines Islay smoke and Highland peat; and Port Askaig 110 Proof (30 PPM) with an award-winning smoky character.
Peat may not be for everyone, but it’s true: once you go peat, you always go neat.
Cheers,
Team Flaviar
SMARTASS CORNER
1) When it comes to Whisky, if there is smoke, there is also peat. False. While the two can occur together in the glass, a Whisky gets the peaty-aspect from the peat bricks set aflame to dry the grains while smoke most likely comes from the char inside the barrel in which it was aged. So they can co-habitate or fly solo.
2) Bog grows one millimeter a year. This means a bog that’s a meter thick is one thousand years old. Looks can be deceiving.
3) In bogs, once believed to be spiritual places, anthropologists and archaeologists have found corpses with preserved skin, internal organs, and even beard stubble due to the lack of oxygen, which slows decomposition. In some cases, bodies have been discovered with nooses around their necks and arrows through their chests.
4) The degree symbol in Port Askaig 100° Proof dates from an old proofing system no longer used but here it’s used to for a hint of nostalgia. This product is by today’s ratings 57.2% ABV.
5) An Islay old-timer’s funeral is not complete without the draining of a bottle of one of the island’s best, accompanied by the enthusiastic telling of stories about the deceased.
6) Peated Whisky is not limited to Scotland only. India’s Peated Amrut is an emerging classic, Japan is also bit on the peat, particularly at the Yoichi distillery, Swiss Saentis is an absolute hit, whilst in New Zealand the Manuka Smoke single malt has recently been introduced.
7) Peated Whisky-makers entered a pact long ago that forbid them from employing new oak in the aging and finishing process. Instead they use Bourbon and Tennessee Whisky barrels for aging and finish things up sometimes in casks used for sherry and port.
8) Kilchoman is the first Whisky-maker to set up shop on Islay in more than 124 years. Anthony Wills, otherwise known as Andy the Brave, is one of only two makers on the island to oversee malting, distilling, maturing, and bottling on site, plus that’s where he grows 30 percent of his barley.
The Flavor Spiral™ is a quick, clear and visually-appealing way to look at the drink's flavor DNA.
It's tasting notes reinvented. The Flavor Spiral™ is a unique and revolutionary way of describing flavors. It was developed by Flaviar tasting panel, industry experts, and You, our dear Flaviar community member.
Your favourite drinks like never before. It could easily be an art form, but that's a conversation for another day.
Dog Dogson's
Smartass Corner
Single Malt Scotch Whisky is made in Scotland using a pot still distillation process at a single distillery, with malted barley as the only grain ingredient. It must be matured in oak casks in Scotland for at least three years (most Single Malts are matured longer, though).
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Ratings & Reviews
Member Reviews and Ratings of Peat It, Peat It! Vol.2
Brian,
I would highly recommend this tasting box. I love peat and was not disappointed. Kilchoman is the star of this sampler. Great balance, body, and mouthfeel. Port Askaig is excellent also. Compass Box brought the peaty punch, but thin and watery on the finish.
Phil,
Loved the samples. Loved the smoke. Good mix, Smokey, smooth and spicy/oily. Definitely not for those that do not like heavily plated scotch... my wife an I though think the more peat the better.
Stalin,
O mmm n no no mmm l lo n
Robert,
Discovered some new favorites, good variety.
Melissa,
Not our thing
guest,
Too smoky for me.
Mitchell,
Was way to intense with smoke flavor. Maybe those that enjoy that super smoky flavor would love it. Tasted like a camp fire. Not the greatest
Beth,
Very nice to taste scotch that I normally don’t see in the liquor stores around me. Particularly liked the Kilchoman.
Tyler,
Great picks, although out of the 3, nothing seemed to stand up to Kilchoman.
Janice,
Daddy like
benjamin,
All together a great peated representation here, not the usual ones I see around. Kilchoman is a solid producer, and this is an enjoyable dram.
The Peat Monster has become one of my favorites after trying it here. Now a staple in my bar.
This Askaig is very robust at 110proof, a salty, heavy peat.
David,
Just ok. You're getting medium good bottles but no where near the inexpensive good stuff. Look over the ratings of the bottles in this offering (6's & 7) (one of which no way deserves it). This isn't the intro to good peat - it's an intro to ok peat. Flaviar, someone who isn't a peat fan is picking this for you. You can do better. Disappointing.
Jason,
Thought I would give Gin a try. Well sorry to say it’s not for me.
Ray,
Not bad for an introduction to “smokey” scotch.
Taylor,
Peat is not my jam
Joe,
A good variety of peaty scotches to introduce new users to the beauty of smoky whiskey.
Jared,
Enjoyed these
Anthony,
I also used this as a chance to see how much I would enjoy life on the peat side. All were quality tastings and I would drink them more if I could. If someone was new to scotch I definitely would not advise them to take this route until feeling more comfortable with the basics as the aftertaste of burning fall leaves might be repulsive. Of the three I would rate Compass Box Peat Monster the highest.
Scott,
My novice entry into scotch was informative with this sampler
Robin,
Finally got to see if peat is for me.. IT 100% IS. The almost pungent taste is unlike any scotch or any other spirits I've had. I love it. The overwhelming flavor would make most turn away, for me the next adventure is finding the perfect meal to enjoy it with...
The Kilchoman is my favorite so far..This one I went back for a little more... I found it to be smooth all the way down. Then hot & smoky...Delicious
The Compass Box is truly THE Peat Monster. The strongest tasting one in the bunch for sure. Legit tastes like you chewed some hay in a garage next to a bog that had a small fire burning in the distance. I had hoped it would be a little easier to drink. I think the second time around will prove how much I really like it.
The Port Askaig was so smooth to me at first.. and then it proves it self to be a high proof scotch. Zesty is an understatement for this one.
R*
Thomas,
I didn’t really like any of them much. The Kilchoman and Port Askaig seemed like low-end offerings that I will stay far away from in the future. The Compass Box was okay, but not overly interesting. Probably an okay way to find out if you like peat or not. Better would be to just order a dram of Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10 next time you are at a bar.
James,
C
Chris,
The Kilchoman was pretty good (7/10) the other two weren't for me.
Daniel,
Love the smoky, peaty taste! Perfect for cigar night!
Andrew,
I'm sure it's a good representation of peaty Scotch. Peat simply isn't for me
Tina,
Definitely an acquired taste. Did not like.
Robert,
Solid drinks but not exceptional. Wouldn't turn them down if offered. I liked the Compass Box the most. I would buy it.
Jonathan,
All were excellent
Matt,
Peat peat peat! Smoky and strong, except the one that wasn’t. I love the descriptions, thought the flavor spirals are far beyond the capabilities of my taste buds or sense of smell.
Heather,
Loved it. I get the peaty, smoky kind of taste isnt for everyone byut I love it. Was recommended because of my love for Lagavulin
Justin,
Good variety of choice in the samples.
Jonah,
Loved em all
Brent,
Never been a fan of the Peats, but wanted to give it a a clinical trial run. Still not a fan. Port Askaig was my favorite, will keep one on the bar for variety.
Chris,
Not for me
Victor,
I am a peat lover, how can you go wrong! The really enjoyable part was discovering that my anticipated preferences were totally mixed.
guest,
Love it
SCOTT,
Peat Monster and Port Askaig are excellent. Bought a bottle of Askaig. New to scotch but this one on my short list of favs.
Andy,
We’re e
James,
Received my first tasting box. Contains three Scotch tasters.
1) Kilchoman- could certainly taste the pepper in this Scotch (second favorite)
2) Compass Box- very smooth. The smoke and hay stand out the most. Really like how they blend together. (First favorite)
3) Port Askaig- Could smell the coal when i opened the bottle. Could taste it as well, which I liked. However it was way too spicy for me
James,
Received my first tasting box. Contains three Scotch tasters.
1) Kilchoman- could certainly taste the pepper in this Scotch (second favorite)
2) Compass Box- very smooth. The smoke and hay stand out the most. Really like how they blend together. (First favorite)
3) Port Askaig- Could smell the coal when i opened the bottle. Could taste it as well, which I liked. However it was way too spicy for me
Craig,
Kilchoman was my favorite. Other two were ok.
Joseph,
Really nice. The Askaig was particularly great.
James,
Hi
Rusty,
Loved all of these! Nothing beats a peaty scotch!
Dan,
Impressed with the selection
Nathan,
The kilchoman wasn't smokey or peaty enough for me. The Askaig was good but had a little bit of a medicine taste at the end, the peat monster was great. I would probably recommend the Askaig or the Peat Monster to those who like smokey whiskey.
Jay,
They say peat whisky from Islay is an acquired taste.. I obviously haven’t acquired it yet. I’m glad I tried this sample box, but wouldn’t purchase these by the bottle.
Brett,
This was the first tasting box I tried with my friends. Loved the experience. Everyone had a different opinion on which one was their favorite.
Axel,
Great selection. Similar base and finish, but each is a completely different experience.
Robert,
Not what I was expecting but should be sampled by everyone who claims they like scotch
Ezra,
Great selection and flavors!
Tim,
Mouth watering goodness
Bob,
Not bad but too Smokey for personal taste
Mihai,
Very good smoked scotch choices
Michelle,
110% was delicious #C. A was delicious as well, B was alright
Matthew,
Overall good sample of scotch. Never tried heavily peated scotch before, but I'm not a huge fan. Still has great potential on the rocks or in craft cocktails.
Matthew,
I didn't taste a whole lot of anything but smoke in this scotch. Even the peat seemed a little subtle compared to the oversmoked feel of this scotch. And I didn't detect anything underneath to round off the flavor. Tasted underaged, if anything.
Matthew,
Sorry, this was meant specifically for the Peat Monster.
Richelle,
Such a fun tasting! My boyfriend and I had never tried peated scotch before and we ended up LOVING it! Our new favorite!
Dan,
I really liked the Kilchoman Sanaig. Very smokey & peaty taste.
Jennifer,
Loved how peaty smoky these were. I liked Port Askaig and Kilchoman a lot. I’d put the Port Askaig slightly ahead of the Kilchoman but they are so different. I liked the wine and cheesy notes in the Port Askaig.
Of the three, I liked Peat Monster the least.
Matthew,
Very Peat(y) if you dont like peat you will not like these.
Sal,
Loved this box. The differences are so present when you do side-by-side tasting. And boy, that peat definitely stands up and makes itself known.
Ryan,
I agree it is an acquired taste, and I did not acquire it.
Jonathan,
Peat it! Definitely present in these but enjoyable.
Liam,
Great taster! I think I found a few lore go to Scotch!
Robert,
Rough. I’m more of a bourbon guy, but cool to try.
Dave,
Great stuff
Blake,
The name doesn’t lie and doesn’t disappoint. If you like the peat and Smokey flavor this is for you.
Seth,
I’m a highland/speyside type of guy. I want to love Islay, I really do and I’m trying and hoping that it is an acquired taste like IPA, but I’m not there yet.
That said, two of theses three I really enjoyed more than most Islay whiskey I have tried. Not a huge fan of the Peat Monster, seemed to lack the complexity that the other two had. Having a hard time picking a favorite between the other two but both have beautiful sweetness and fruit behind the sample and peat.
Dustin,
If you are a peat lover, this is for you. Not one for the people dipping their toes in.
Marcus,
Great box, enjoyed them all. Great representation of what Islay has to offer.
Robert,
I enjoyed it.
Isak,
Absolutely lovely tasting box. All three are peaty delights.
Michael,
Pretty sound variety of experience within the box, despite all (obviously) having peat as a main feature. I don’t know that any of these will replace my staples but out of the three I’d probably buy a bottle of one to have on hand.
Aaron,
Good collection
Jackie,
My first trial of peated scotch. They are definitely smoky. Not my preferred drink but I'm glad I tried them.
John,
New to scotch. So they were very interesting extremely smokey.
Ronald,
A great tasting box. Loved the Askaig 110 proof.
Elwin,
Kilchoman was very smooth
Compass box has a strong peaty taste with a smooth finish
Port Askaig was pure gasoline.
Sean,
Used my tasting box credit to try something outside my normal wheelhouse. That being said, I don’t think peated scotch is for me. Hard to differentiate between the samples, as the smokiness is almost overwhelming to the untrained palette. If your an experienced scotch drinker, have at it, but if you’re a novice like me, its hard to recommend as I truthfully couldn’t tell the samples apart.