Smoky and Peaty

I'd suggest trying a Caol Ila perhaps, or maybe even one of the peated Japanese whiskies if you can get hold of one for that price (not sure on export values, but they're often £50 or so in the UK). The Japanese ones often seem to have that damp foresty/mushroomy edge, IMHO.

The 'problem' is that there peats and woods all vary a fair bit, so YMMV.

Similar to what airedeldesierto was asking, I am looking for a Scotch that is particularly smokey. I love peat and wood... but the big Peaty whiskies I've liked are more Peaty than smoky, any suggestions for a highly smokey dram??

For some peaty scotches I would recommend the Talisker 10, Lagavulin 16 or Ardbeg 10 who are all three well priced and quite peaty. You will definitely not be disappointed.

@OCeallaigh Laphroaig 10 is almost smoky !! do you try this ? Today I dinking Talisker 10 , is very nice ... Smoky - woody pepper ... I like this kind of Whiskys specially in this cold days ...

@OCeallaigh Ardbeg offers smokier whiskies although they are really peated. With ardbeg you get a camp fire smoke that is really enjoyable. But for smoked whisky, you could try Smokehead. The says it all. Islay whisky with more smoke than peat.

If you are about to try some nice peaty ones: here are my top three: Ardbeg Uigeadail, Caol Ila Cask Strength and Lagavulin Destillers Edition. All three are brilliant peated Islays that goes very well by adding just a few drops of water at the time - brilliant!!

I'd second/third the Caol Ila Cask Strength and add Ardbeg Arigh Nam Biest for in your face, no holds barred peat.

• Laphroaig 10 Year Cask Strength • Laphroaig Quarter Cask • Laphroaig 15 Year • Laphroaig 18 Year • Ardbeg 10 Year • Ardbeg Uigeadail • Caol Ila 12 Year • Bunnahabhain 12 Year (rather tame) • Lagavulin 16 Year

@airedeldesierto don't overlook Smokehead (18yo) - it's not cheap, but I don't regret a penny of it. Sublime smoke, less peat, rich on the palate. Also the Ardbeg Blasda is a lovely dram, and very light.

@airedeldesierto Not sure if it's available in the US, but try to find Big Peat: www.whiskynotes.be/2010/blends/big-peat/

A few that no one has mentioned (and in your price range):

Kilchoman Summer 2010 Release The BenRiach 10 yo 'Curiositas' Isle of Jura Prophecy, year 1 Longrow CV Ardmore Traditional Cask

and for a really unusual one:

Ledaig 10 yo

Amrut Peated Cask Strenght is a very nice one. Now looking forward to buy The Octomore 3, promoted as the most heavely peated malt EVER.

McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt! Jim Murray (Whisky Bible) rates right there with Islay's finest. www.clearcreekdistillery.com/whiskey.html

One of the world's best peated single malts... from Oregon?!?

Seriously... Try it if you can find it.

And if you're in Portland, OR stop in and hang with the man himself, Steve.

@Wodha - I'm going to nearby Waco, Texas to purchase some Aberlour products and I'm going to look for McCarthy's Oregon Single Malt. Hope they have it. You've raised my curiosity. Have a good day.