Bold, Smoky & Medicinal Whiskies
Bold, medicinal whiskies are an acquired taste — and once acquired, nothing else will do. The intense iodine, TCP, rubber, and coastal brine character of heavily peated Islay malts is unlike anything else in the spirits world.
Ardbeg, Laphroaig, and Bruichladdich Octomore are the pillars of this style. These are the community's most intensely flavoured expressions, ranked by affinity score.
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Frequently asked questions
Why do some whiskies taste like TCP or iodine?
The medicinal character in heavily peated Islay whiskies comes from phenolic compounds — particularly guaiacol and cresols — produced when peat smoke dries the malted barley. Proximity to the sea also contributes iodine and brine notes.