Peated whiskies are an indelible part of Scotland’s whisky universe. Although they have traditionally been associated with Islay and the Western Highlands, every region in Scotland currently produces peated whiskies. Below is a selection of some of the top peated whiskies currently available. Any one of them would make an excellent gift.

Speyside is the heart of Scotland’s whisky kingdom, with more than 50 functioning distilleries. Historically, most Speyside whiskies had a component of peated whisky in their final blends. Over the last thirty years, however, many Speyside whiskies have dropped the peated element in their blends. At the same time, some distilleries have introduced fully peated expressions.

For an example of how traditional Speyside whiskies would have tasted a half century ago, try the Benromach 10 YO (ARP: $56) or 15 YO expressions (ARP: $93). These whiskies have a blend of peated and unpeated malts. The peated character is obvious, but well integrated. This isn’t the in your face peat influence that you find in heavily peated Islay whiskies but more of an obvious, persistent background note.

Both of the Benromach expressions are excellent, but the 15 YO is particularly so with a layered complex body that offers up typical Speyside apple and pear fruitiness, along with citrus notes, vanilla and caramel backed by a smoky and earthy background note. Top Choice is the Benromach 15 YO.

Source and Full Story: Forbes.