anCnoc Peatheart Batch 2: Highland Smoke, Measured to Perfection

Where the Peatlands Begin

The heart of Scotland's peatlands lies in the north and west of the uplands — a secluded, remote landscape full of iconic wildlife. It's a place that rules its surroundings and, for centuries, has provided one of the most valuable fuels in whisky-making.

It's here, in the Highlands, that Knockdhu Distillery has stood since 1894. Nestled just beneath Knock Hill — home to pure, clear water springs — and on the doorstep of a region rich in both barley and peat, Knockdhu is surrounded by everything a distillery could need. Few sites in Scotland are so naturally suited to making whisky.

The Role of Peat

Peat wasn't originally a flavour choice. It was a practical one. Historically, peat was embraced as fuel to fire the still and dry the barley during distillation. What began as necessity became one of the defining characteristics of Scotch whisky.

Peat is still traditionally cut by hand using specialist cutting tools — slow, physical work that connects the whisky directly to the land it comes from. And the level of peatiness in a whisky can be carefully controlled by two factors: the amount of peat burnt, and the humidity of the barley during drying.

Understanding PPM

When peat smoke passes through malting barley, it generates compounds called phenols. It's the phenol content that allows a whisky's "peatiness" to be measured, expressed in PPM — parts per million.

For Peatheart, consistency is everything. anCnoc's Master Blender specifies barley malted to exactly 40 PPM, ensuring that every batch delivers the same considered, deliberate level of smoke. This is peat with intent, not peat by accident.

Tasting anCnoc Peatheart Batch 2

Nose: Understated peat smoke and barbecue lead the way, balanced by ripe pineapples, pears and a dark, rich tone of baked toffee apples. Subtle vanilla and sparks of fresh lemon rind lend lightness and elegance to the whole composition.

Palate: Structured and full. Rich smoke sits in balance with juicy gummy bears and the light, fizzy sweetness of spun sugar. Undertones of a hay barn and fudge give it a delicious weight and depth.

Finish: Long and growing — distinctly spicy and sweet, ending on a warming, smoky finale.

Who Is This Whisky For?

Peatheart Batch 2 is an excellent choice for anyone who enjoys peated whisky but appreciates balance alongside the smoke. Where some heavily peated malts lean hard into medicinal or maritime character, Peatheart brings orchard and tropical fruit, confectionery sweetness and a distinctly Highland sense of place.

It's equally rewarding for newcomers curious about peat — the fruit and sweetness give it an accessibility that heavier Islay malts sometimes lack — and for seasoned peat lovers looking for something different from the usual suspects.

Available Now

anCnoc Peatheart Batch 2 is available at bestwhisky.be for €78,50, including tax.