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Named for the peatreekers - the brave few who defied Royal decree in 18th century Scotland to produce illegal whisky, so called because the smell of peat clung permanently to their clothes - the new blended malt has been launched by whisky enthusiast Calum Leslie, who hopes its accessibility and itsconnection to the rich history of illicit distilling will be a huge hit with Scotch whisky fans.
A blend of premium Islay malts (the distilleries from which each hails from is being kept close to the founder's chest), the new whisky is described by Calum one that will appeal to a "younger drinker" and those looking to enjoy peated whisky for the first time.
Calum, joined Blair and Sean to discuss the merits of peated whisky and why he believes more people should be enjoying it.
Blair, who has just launched his first book - The Pocket Guide to Whisky: Featuring the WhiskyTubeMap - spoke about the depth and complexity of single malts before adding in a tasting with two other peated whiskies - the Ardbeg 10 and the Talisker 10.
Finishing off with a mixed drink, a Peatreeker Smokey Cokey, Blair added that peated whisky is not only great for drinking neat but also for those who perhaps don't enjoy whisky on its own in mixed drinks, where the smokey flavour adds a distinctive twist on many classic whisky cocktails.
• Peatreekers is available online and in selected independents. RRP £42.00. For more information, visit www.peatreekers.com
