What is the primary flavor profile of a peated Scotch whisky?

Peated Scotch whisky is primarily characterized by its smoky flavor profile, which is a result of the use of peat during the malting process of the barley. When the barley is dried over a peat fire, compounds in the peat are absorbed by the grains, imparting a distinct smoky aroma and flavor to the whisky during the distillation and maturation processes. This smokiness can range from subtle to intense, depending on the level of peat used and the production methods employed by the distillery.

The other flavor profiles—fruity, spicy, and sweet—can be present in peated whiskies, but they are secondary to the dominant smoky characteristic. For instance, many peated whiskies also have fruit or spice notes, often due to the influence of the cask in which they mature, yet these flavors do not define the primary nature of a peated Scotch. The defining element that sets peated Scotch apart is unquestionably its smoky flavor, making it the correct choice in understanding the fundamental taste of this type of whisky.