Peat: A dark, partially decayed organic matter formed in the wetlands. It is formed when full decay is arrested by acidic conditions, and when oxygen is not present. Over thousands of years of decomposition it becomes a flammable substance, traditionally used to fire the malted barley kilns. Its flavour is very intense and is oft associated with tar, bitumen and medicinal notes and due to the high incidence in the locality, it is much associated with whisky from Islay. It is measured in Phenol parts per million. As an example, Laphroaig, a peaty whisky from Islay, is ‘peated’ to around 35ppm.
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