what is peated whiskey

Peated whiskey is a type of whiskey that has a smoky flavor due to the use of peat fires to dry malted barley. Peat is a naturally occurring product of bogs and marshy areas, and it is caused by organic matter being collected in the area and then slowly decomposing over hundreds of years. During the malting stage of production, barley is dried using a peat-fired kiln to halt the malting process, and the flavors from the peated smoke permeate into the grain. Peated whiskey is often considered true to the origins of Scottish whiskey, and it is often sought after by purists. Peat smoke contains phenols, which are chemicals absorbed by the malted barley during drying in a kiln. The bigger the level of phenols are, the smokier it usually gets. Peated whiskey is made in Scotland, but India, Japan, and New Zealand also produce their own peated whiskies. The intensity and flavor profile of peated whiskey varies greatly depending on the region where it’s produced, but generally, they cover a broad spectrum, including intense aromas and flavors of sulfur, saline, diesel, leather, meat, moss, pine, and savory charred wood. Peated whiskey is often seen as a premium whiskey because of the additional steps and care required to add in the smoky qualities.