Whether you crave a faint wisp of peat or a full-throttle blaze of smoke, there’s a smoky whiskey out there for you — and it might not be the one you expect. While peat remains a polarizing flavor, its versatility and cultural reach have expanded dramatically. No longer confined to the windswept distilleries of Islay, smoky whiskeys now emerge from Japan, Ireland, and even corners of the U.S. like Washington and Texas. The result? A global selection of bold, peated drams, each with its own twist on tradition.
Octomore 15 Series
Let’s start with something intense. Bruichladdich’s Octomore range has long defied assumptions about how smoky a whiskey can be — and how elegant. The 15.1 expression is relatively restrained (by Octomore standards) at just over 100 PPM, aged in re-charred bourbon barrels. 15.2 adds richness from a cognac cask finish, while 15.3 — made from single-farm barley — cranks the peat up past 300 PPM. Despite the numbers, what makes this series stand out is not just strength, but nuance.
Laphroaig Elements 2.0
Laphroaig has never been shy about its character — medicinal, seaweed-laced, unmistakably Islay. But Elements 2.0 offers something new: extended fermentation (115 hours versus the usual 55) creates a softer, fruitier counterpoint to the smoke. Bottled at nearly 60% ABV, it’s a powerful expression that benefits from a few drops of water — and a quiet moment to let it open up.
Ardbeg Traigh Bhan Batch 6
This 19-year-old release from Ardbeg blends maturity with fire. Batch 6 leans more heavily on refill bourbon casks than its predecessors, allowing citrus and vanilla to play off Ardbeg’s signature peat. The result is a smooth, tropical-tinged scotch that retains its Islay soul without overwhelming the palate.
Westland Solum Edition 2
From Seattle’s Westland distillery comes an American original: Solum Edition 2, a peated single malt made using local Washington peat. Smoky, yes — but in an earthy, herbal, almost green way that distinguishes it from its Scottish cousins. Aged in new oak and bourbon barrels, this is proof that innovation doesn’t have to come from across the Atlantic.
Benriach The Smoky Twelve
Benriach sits in Speyside — a region not known for peat — but that hasn’t stopped this distillery from embracing it. The Smoky Twelve is a careful blend of peated and unpeated malts, matured in bourbon, sherry, and marsala casks. The result? Complexity. Sweet and smoky dance around notes of dried fruit, baking spice, and a whisper of oak.
Teeling Blackpitts
Peated Irish whiskey isn’t common, but Dublin’s Teeling has made it something special. Blackpitts takes a triple-distilled single malt and matures it in bourbon and Sauternes wine casks. It’s sweet, smoky, and completely unlike anything else on the Irish whiskey shelf — a bold move that pays off with balance and personality.
Lagavulin Fireside Tales (Special Releases 2024)
Part of Diageo’s annual Special Releases collection, this 12-year-old Lagavulin softens the brand’s intense smoke with a touch of sweetness from American and European oak. It’s a fresh chapter in the distillery’s smoky saga — familiar yet surprising, and definitely one for fans of Lagavulin’s signature style.
Bowmore 15 Year
While Bowmore has released some stratospherically priced drams, their 15-year-old single malt delivers great value. Aged in bourbon and finished in sherry casks, it offers a measured balance of smoke, dried fruit, and subtle oak. Rich enough to sip neat, yet versatile enough for cocktails, this bottle is a standout in Bowmore’s lineup.
Compass Box The Peat Monster
As the name suggests, this blended malt leans heavily into smoke — but with Compass Box’s usual finesse. Built from Islay heavyweights like Caol Ila and Laphroaig (plus a Highland mystery malt), it’s a layered, lively blend that showcases what careful blending can achieve. If you find the cask-strength version, don’t hesitate.
Highland Park 30 Year
Not all peat is loud. This 30-year-old single malt from Highland Park whispers rather than shouts. Its long aging in sherry and bourbon casks has mellowed the smoke into a soft undercurrent that supports notes of fruit, spice, and roasted nuts. A whisky for reflection — and perhaps a special occasion.
Talisker 10 Year
If you’re new to smoky whisky, Talisker 10 is your ideal gateway. Hailing from the Isle of Skye, this single malt weaves together peat, salt, citrus, and spice into a maritime expression that’s both rugged and refined. It’s the kind of bottle that turns curiosity into obsession — in the best way.
Smoky whiskey isn’t just about power. It’s about story, place, and process. Whether you’re tasting the salty waves of Skye, the brine of Islay, or the forest floor of Washington state, the right smoky whiskey doesn’t just fill your glass — it transports you. These 11 bottles are a great place to start your journey.
