Dial Up the Smoke Status with This Single Malt Scotch Scale

Many peat-smoked whiskies state the phenol parts per million (ppm) of the malted barley on their label, suggesting that the higher the ppm the greater the smoke intensity. While it represents a useful indicator, remember that ppm is a measure of the raw material—not the finished liquid. The final smoke impact is further shaped by decisions made at the points of distillation, maturation, and blending. (For an insightful explanation of this process, check out our interview with Bruichladdich head distiller Adam Hannett.) Ready to explore the range of peatiness for yourself? Taste through these whiskies and accelerate your appreciation.

From 0 to 300: Find Your Perfect PPM

0 ppm—Hazelburn 10 year old
Pears, toffee, herbal tobacco, cinnamon, vanilla, and cocoa powder

<1 ppm—Old Pulteney 12 year old

Almonds, honey, and nuts with wood spices

.5-2 ppm—Bunnahabhain 12 year old

Nutty, toffee, light molasses, vanilla fudge, citrus, dark berries, and a hint of brine

12-13 ppm—Ardmore Traditional
Sweet notes of toffee and caramel, damp, earthy peat, and bourbon-like notes

12-20 ppm—Kilchoman 100% Islay

Smoke, lemon curd, vanilla, allspice, baked apples, dark chocolate, and nutty oak

15 ppm—Tomatin Cù Bòcan
Lemonade, coconut, malt, and honey, plus cinnamon and cloves

15-25 ppm—Springbank 10 year old
Citrus fruit, cereal, and mildly smoky oak, as well as vanilla toffee, cedar wood, hazelnuts, and coconut

20 ppm—Arran Machrie Moor
Peat, spicy malt, toffee, lemon, nuts, and chocolate

20 ppm—Highland Park 12 year old
Fragrant and floral, with hints of heather and spice, as well as honey, citrus fruits, and malt

25-30 ppm—Bowmore 15 year old
Lush fruit, raisin, pot-still rum, Heath bars, citrus, and wood spices

30 ppm—Balvenie Peat Week 2003
Islay-like phenols, sweet floral notes, vanilla, citrus fruits, and honey

35-45 ppm—Ledaig 10 year old
Ripe barley, honeyed vanilla, black licorice stick, espresso bean, and olive brine

40 ppm—Port Charlotte 10 year old
Maritime notes, with sweet caramel, coconut, and orchard fruits

40-50 ppm—Laphroaig 10 year old
Iodine, charcoal, seaweed, black pepper, fruit, vanilla, caramel, and sweet oak

45 ppm—BenRiach 10 year old Curiositas
Earthy peat, hot road tar, honey, tropical and dried fruits, allspice, and oak

45 ppm—Glenglassaugh Torfa
Heathery peat with dried fruits, malt, cream soda, ripe peaches, chile, and ginger

50 ppm—Kilchoman Machir Bay
Smoke, sea-washed rock, light flowers, and hot sand; sweet and smoky, with a chalky edge

55 ppm—Ardbeg 10 year old
Smoked haddock, citrus fruits, milk chocolate, pipe tobacco, black coffee, and licorice

80 ppm—Longrow 18 year old
Sweet vanilla, ripe apple, chimney soot, charcuterie, licorice, coffee beans, brine, and chile

>100 ppm—Ardbeg Supernova
Minty and sweet spice, seaweed, smoked fish, and dried grasses

131 ppm—Octomore 1.1
Cigar smoke and ash, licorice root, bacon fat, Kalamata olive, orchard fruit, honeyed malt, brine, and soft vanilla

258 ppm—Octomore 6.3
Coastal brine, mint, thyme, grapes, cherries, chocolate, and oak

309 ppm—Octomore 8.3
Barbecue smokiness, citrus fruit, earthy peat, full-bodied red wine, milk chocolate, ginger, and chile