Why Peat Is Popping Up In Non-Peaty Scotch

For most of its existence, peat was one of the hallmarks of Scotch whisky . Whether wisps of smoke wafting from blends like Johnnie Walker , or the pure and punchy peat of Islay , many drinkers came to assume that scotch means peat. Peat is actually nothing more than a convenient fuel source that worked its way into whisky as the result of kiln-drying malted barley over fires fueled by the decomposing vegetation.

Peat bogs are found in many parts of Great Britain, but they are widespread in the Scottish Highlands and islands, where for centuries they have provided...