As the chill of autumn and winter settles in, smoky whiskies offer a comforting warmth with their bold characteristics. Yet, their distinctive flavor profile can be polarizing—much like Marmite or intensely spicy dishes. For those who appreciate robust and expressive tastes, exploring smoky whiskies is a must.
What Contributes to the Smokiness of Whisky?
The principal ingredient that imparts a smoky flavor to whisky is peat, a natural material formed from decayed vegetation over thousands of years. Historically, peat has served as a fuel source and was harvested during the wet spring months. After being dried over summer, it was used during the colder seasons for heating and cooking, as well as for preserving meat and fish.
In whisky production, particularly in Scotland and Ireland, peat was an essential fuel for drying barley at the end of its malting process. In this method, barley is placed on a mesh floor with a peat fire lit underneath in a kiln. As the smoke rises through the barley, it dries the grains while saturating them with phenolic compounds from the smoke. These compounds are what you’ll ultimately taste and smell in the finished whisky.
Top Smoky Whiskies to Try
While the tradition of drying barley with peat has diminished due to modern advancements, several distilleries still embrace this robust, smoky style. Here are ten exceptional smoky whiskies to consider, ranging from classical to contemporary expressions.
Ardmore Legacy
Located in the eastern Highlands of Scotland, the Ardmore distillery is perched at the highest point of the Aberdeen-Inverness railway line. Unlike many Highland single malts, Ardmore is lightly peated, primarily providing a subtle smokiness to the famed Teacher’s blend. The Legacy is one of their introductory offerings.
Utilizing Aberdeenshire peat, this whisky showcases a gentle heather-like smokiness, making it a fantastic find at an accessible price. A true hidden treasure.
Caol Ila 12 Years Old
For many, Islay is synonymous with smoky whiskies. The island, known as the “Queen of the Hebrides,” boasts nine distilleries, all producing some form of peated whisky.
Among them, Caol Ila is the largest, located on Islay’s rugged eastern shore, overlooking the island of Jura. The 12 Years Old expression features ashy, malty notes with hints of oat biscuits, smoldering bonfire embers, earthy undertones, and a touch of sweetness. This whisky is underrated yet remarkable.
Hakushu Distiller’s Reserve
While Japanese whiskies are not typically known for their smokiness, Hakushu stands out as a noteworthy exception. Owned by the House of Suntory, this distillery has a pivotal role in their acclaimed Hibiki blends. Built in the 1970s, Hakushu is nestled high in a mountain forest, which lends it a distinctive freshness uncommonly found in other whiskies.
The delicate and herbal smoke contributes to a refined and elegant drinking experience.
Johnnie Walker Double Black
As the world’s best-selling Scotch whisky brand, Johnnie Walker’s sales figures vastly outstrip its closest competitor, largely thanks to the regular Black Label. However, Double Black elevates the smoky profile to new heights. This expression features a higher proportion of peaty whisky in the blend, maturing in heavily charred barrels to enhance its smoke and spice notes.
This powerful whisky serves as an excellent example of a smoky blend.
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Laphroaig 10 Years Old Sherry Cask
Laphroaig, the iconic Islay distillery, is renowned as the leading Scotch single malt brand in the smoky category. The classic 10 Years Old is a favorite among many, but its delightful sherry cask-aged sibling has entered the scene.
This whisky, briefly finished in ex-sherry casks before bottling, gains wonderful richness and sweetness that beautifully balances Laphroaig’s intense medicinal and acrid peat smoke.
Mackmyra Svensk Rök
Svensk Rök, meaning ‘Swedish Smoke,’ is a unique expression from Mackmyra, showcasing that exceptional smoky whiskies are not exclusive to Scotland. Peat sourced from an area north of Gävle is combined with locally sourced juniper twigs during the distillation process, creating a distinctly herbaceous and wooded smokiness.
This intriguing twist elevates the whisky, making it worth sampling for those seeking something unconventional.
Peat Monster
The name itself suggests what you’re in for—this whisky is intensely packed with peaty aromas and tastes. Crafted by the artisanal blending house Compass Box, Peat Monster was among the first blended malts to hit the market.
Using smoky single malts from Islay and the Highlands, this whisky presents a bold character; the Islay components contribute a medicinal quality, while Highland distillers offer gentler smoky notes. A truly stunning expression.
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Port Charlotte 10 Years Old
Port Charlotte is situated near the Bruichladdich distillery on Islay, which produces its namesake peated whisky. This distillery, known for its remote location on Islay’s west side, has experienced a renaissance in recent years.
Alongside its non-peated Bruichladdich offerings, Port Charlotte produces heavily peated whiskies, with the 10 Years Old expression boasting earthy, mineral notes transporting one directly to Islay. It’s bold, smoky, and undeniably delicious.
Stauning Smoke
This delightful whisky from the award-winning Stauning distillery in Denmark presents a modern style of smokiness. Local peat is sourced from the nearby Jutland region, and dried heather is added to the peat fire, creating a unique smoke profile that permeates the grains.
The resulting product is a sweet, soft smokiness that gracefully complements the other tasting notes. It’s an excellent example of what the new generation of whisky producers can achieve.
Wire Works Small Batch
Peat is abundant not only in Scotland and Ireland but also across northern England, including the Peak District where White Peak distillery is located. Since commencing distillation in 2018, this small craft distillery has garnered attention for its award-winning Wire Works releases.
This lightly smoky spirit is earthy and inviting, making it an ideal choice for newcomers to the world of smoky whiskies.
