What tasting note might you expect from a heavily peated whiskey?

A heavily peated whiskey is characterized by its distinct smoky flavor profile, which comes from the use of peat during the malting process of barley. Peat is a type of soil that, when burned, produces a rich and intense smoke that infuses the grains with a unique flavor. This pronounced smokiness is a hallmark feature of heavily peated whiskies, often described as earthy, medicinal, or even phenolic.

The presence of this smoky note can overshadow other flavor profiles, but it is integral to the identity of peated whiskies, especially those from regions like Islay in Scotland. Tasting notes in these whiskies may also include hints of brine or seaweed, but the predominant flavor remains the distinctive smokiness. Because of this strong association, the expectation of a smoky flavor profile when tasting heavily peated whiskey is well-founded and noteworthy for enthusiasts of the spirit.