Do you enjoy whisky that packs a smoky punch? You're in for a treat. Australian peated whiskies now match Scotland's finest, and we should jump on the bandwagon. These whiskies will blow your mind—or at least your taste buds—whether you want to spice up your cocktails or savour something that feels like inhaling a campfire (in the best way possible). So, pour yourself a glass and brace for a wild, peaty journey.
1. Bakery Hill Peated Single Malt Whisky
This whisky makes you feel like you're sitting by a campfire, but with a touch of class. Bakery Hill Distillery in Melbourne has been making excellent peated whisky for more than a decade. They bring in Scottish malt, which shows how much they care about quality. The peat gives it a toasty, charcoal-like taste, but don't worry - aging in ex-Bourbon casks adds a bit of sweetness to balance it out. If you want to take it up a level (and let's face it, you do), you can try the cask strength version for an extra punch.
Cocktails to Try:
- Penicillin – Nothing yells "whisky pro" like honey, lemon, and a big dose of smoky taste.
- Smoky Old Fashioned – Switch your usual bourbon with this, and you've got a smokier more interesting twist.
- Mint Julep Hot Toddy – Mint, smoke, and heat. Who knew comfort could get so complex?
2.Launceston Distillery Peated Tasmanian Single Malt
Meet a whisky that hits the sweet spot. Launceston Distillery mixes peated and unpeated malt to create a subtle dance of smoke and sweetness. This whisky has a light copper hue and gives off soft hints of cigar box toasted oak, and earthy tones. The finish leaves you with a touch of peat smoke just enough to remind you that you're sipping something special.
Cocktails to Try:
- Rob Roy – A classic whisky cocktail, but with a smoky twist. Launceston's peaty flavours change this drink from classy to unforgettable.
- Smoked Hot Toddy – Perfect when you want to snuggle up with a whisky that hugs you... and then surprises you with smoke.
3. Hellyers Road 7 Year Old Peated Single Malt Whisky
This exceptional whisky from Hellyers Road is at the forefront of Australian peated whiskies. It incorporates peated barley from Inverness Scotland, and ages in first-fill American Oak ex-Bourbon barrels from Heaven Hill. It's no wonder it grabbed a Gold Medal at the 2024 San Francisco World Spirits Competition. You'll experience layers of vanilla, peat, and a hint of sea salt that will make you feel like you're on a windy Tasmanian coast.
Cocktails to Try:
- Boulevardier – Add some Hellyers Road, and you'll get a drink that's bitter, smoky, and bound to leave a mark.
- Penicillin – Hellyers Road brings savoury, peaty tastes to this cocktail creating a yummy mix that pairs well with the honey and lemon.
