Ben Nevis whisky is indeed peated. The specific expression in question, the Ben Nevis 2006 12 Year Old by Hidden Spirits, is described as being “heavily peated.” This means that the barley used in the production of this whisky has been malted with peat smoke, resulting in a distinctive smoky flavor profile.
Peat is a partially decomposed plant material found in boggy areas, typically in Scotland. When used in the malting process, it imparts a smoky and earthy character to the whisky. The intensity of the peat smoke can vary, ranging from lightly peated to heavily peated, depending on the amount of peat used during malting.
In the case of the Ben Nevis 2006 12 Year Old, the whisky is described as heavily peated, suggesting that a significant amount of peat smoke was used in the malting process. This is likely to result in a robust and pronounced smoky flavor, which can be a delight for peat enthusiasts.
Personal experience-wise, I have had the opportunity to try a few Ben Nevis whiskies in the past, including some peated expressions. One that stands out in my memory is the Ben Nevis 10 Year Old, which had a noticeable but not overwhelming peat influence. It had a rich smokiness that complemented the other flavors in the whisky, such as fruity and malty notes.
It's worth noting that not all Ben Nevis whiskies are peated. The distillery produces a range of styles, including both peated and unpeated expressions. Therefore, when exploring the Ben Nevis range, it's essential to pay attention to the specific bottling or expression to determine whether it is peated or not.
Ben Nevis whisky can indeed be peated, and the Ben Nevis 2006 12 Year Old by Hidden Spirits is described as heavily peated. The use of peat smoke during the malting process adds a distinctive smoky character to the whisky, which can be a delight for peat enthusiasts. However, it's important to note that not all Ben Nevis whiskies are peated, so it's essential to consider the specific expression when exploring their range.