Whisky Scholar

Whisky Scholar

The palette of peat (for your palate)

delicious decay for the glass

Dr. Shelly Sayer Lorts
Oct 16, 2025
∙ Paid

We say “smoky” the way we say “blue”—as if the single word is enough to describe the myriad versions and variations of such a spectrum.

But peat never paints in one tone. It gives you sticking-plaster and driftwood fire, lemon over kelp and engine room after rain, chocolate ash and heather ember…and that’s just a start.

Pour a peated dram and let it sit. First you might get a clean, medicinal waft; then something darker and tarry; finally a lift of citrus skating across rope and seaweed.

If the label only says “peated”, why does your glass wander?

User's avatar

Continue reading this post for free, courtesy of Dr. Shelly Sayer Lorts.

Or purchase a paid subscription.
© 2026 Dr. Shelly Sayer Lorts · Privacy ∙ Terms ∙ Collection notice
Start your SubstackGet the app
Substack is the home for great culture