If you're looking to elevate your Penicillin cocktail game, our gallery has just the right smoky companions for you. Dive into the world of peat and smoke with these seven remarkable whiskeys that are perfect for crafting this beloved classic. From the maritime character of Talisker 10 to the rich, peaty depth of Laphroaig 10 Year Old, each selection brings its own unique flair to the mix. Discover the smoky elegance of these spirits, including the bold Ardbeg 10 and the intriguingly peated Kings County Bourbon. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or new to the world of smoky whiskeys, this collection will surely inspire your next cocktail creation.
The ten-year-old Ardbeg Single Malt Scotch Whisky contains pronounced aromas of coffee, smoke, and peat. Deep, complex, and beautifully balanced, with a lingering, smokey finish. Jim Murray's Whiskey Bible 2008 rated it both the Scotch Whiskey of the Year and the World Whiskey of the Year. Buy it now!
Kings County Distillery, honored as the Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute, holds a distinctive place in the world of spirits. Pioneering the revival of distillation in New York since 2010, they stand as the state's first distillery post-Prohibition. Their commitment to passion, innovation, and craft is not just a slogan but a way of life, evident in every facet of their operation. The emphasis on quality and simplicity is evident in their uniquely packaged Bourbons, Whiskies, and Moonshine, housed in medicinal-style flasks adorned with typewriter-written labels, emphasizing that it's the flavor inside that matters most. Among their remarkable offerings, the King's County Peated Bourbon is a standout. A Bourbon at its core, it takes a bold twist with barley from Scotland malted and dried over peat smoke, reminiscent of traditional Islay practices. The result is an unparalleled flavor profile, marrying the smokiness of a Single Malt with the youthful vibrancy of Bourbon—a testament to Kings County's innovative approach to crafting distinctive spirits. Buy it now!
Compass Box stands out as a notable blender and bottler in the whisky industry, known for its innovative approach. This expression showcases the art of whisky blending, bringing together six carefully selected peaty barrels, predominantly from Caol Ila and Laphroaig distilleries. A hint of Highland malt is added to introduce subtle notes of dark spice, creating a harmonious balance to the bold Islay peat flavors. Buy it now!
The Lagavulin 16 Year Old is an iconic Islay Scotch, celebrated for its intense peat smoke, maritime essence, and profound complexity developed over its 16-year maturation. With a perfect balance of sweet malt, dried fruit, and a lingering peaty finish, it stands as a quintessential expression of Islay's bold and robust whisky style. Buy it now for $81.99.
Talisker 10 Year Single Malt Scotch - not too smokey and not too pricey, this bottle is one of the first bottles that I started with when embarking on my peated whisky journey. It has a fair bit of complexity for being only 10 years old and has notes of dried fruits, clouds of smoke and malty flavors. Huge, long, peppery finish with an final note of sweetness. 2020 SIP Awards Platinum winner. Buy it now!
Using Laphroaig 10 Year as a base for a whisky sour offers a bold departure from the norm, with its intense peatiness, earthy smoke, and medicinal notes. While it may be too overpowering on its own, blending it with a milder Scotch like J&B helps balance the flavors. Adding ginger syrup or incorporating ginger into the cocktail provides a spicy twist, reminiscent of the Penicillin cocktail, while also enhancing the complexity. For those who enjoy the aroma of Laphroaig but find its taste too strong, a spritz of the whisky on top of the cocktail adds a subtle peaty essence without overwhelming the palate. Buy it now!
Another great beginner withh heather honey, dried fruits, winter spices, Seville oranges, and a light smoky finish being among the notes. 2017 SF World Spirits Competition Gold Medal. 2018 Gold Medal: The Fifty Best. Buy it now!