Still Spirits just cracked the code—and your smoky whisky dreams might finally come true.

August 6, 2025

Ever Wondered How to Capture the Soul of a True Islay Scotch at Home?

Bring smoky depth to your spirits with one tiny bottle and a whole lot of flavour memory

Ever taken a sip of real peated whisky and felt like you were standing on a windswept cliff in Scotland, fire crackling behind you? That unmistakable smokiness – earthy, bold, and a bit wild – can feel miles away when you're distilling from your own backyard.

But here’s the kicker: Still Spirits Peat Smoke gets you remarkably close. For those finishing off neutral spirits and craving something with backbone, this is the quiet weapon hidden in your flavour shelf.

The Moment It Clicks

We had a regular come in – has a neat setup out near Belvidere with a top-end still and carbon filter arrangement. Classic tall bloke, usually keeps his cards close. One afternoon he walks in grinning, holding a bottle of homemade whisky so smoky it could've passed for Laphroaig's cousin. He just says: "Used your Peat Smoke drop for the first time. Changed everything."

That’s the shift. From good spirit to talked-about bottle. It’s not about gimmicks – it’s mastering subtle balance. And unlike messing with smoke malts or fancy oak, this essence is controlled, repeatable, and clean.

What's Inside That Tiny Bottle?

This 50 ml bottle might look harmless, but don’t be fooled. It's loaded with peat smoke extract designed to recreate that singular flavour you get from burning wet peat bogs – exactly like traditional Islay distillers have done for centuries. Here's what makes it work:

Depth over Punch: Rather than overpower, it builds complexity.
Blend Friendly: Plays well with other flavours or stands strong solo.
Customisability: Want just a hint? Go light. Want campfire-in-a-glass? Add more.
No Patience Needed: No years in a barrel. Introduce the flavour instantly.

It’s like throwing a smoked log onto your flavour fire without having to filter ash out of your wash.

How to Use Still Spirits Peat Smoke Right

It’ll blend into any spirit, but shines brightest when used in whisky-style bases. Here's how to do it justice:

Tip: Start with just a few drops in a 750 ml bottle, taste, then tweak. It gets bold quick – like a mate who owns a Harley and lets you ride pillion unannounced.

Here’s a reliable method:

Start with a good-quality neutral spirit (filtered for best results)
Add 2–3 drops of Peat Smoke, roll bottle gently to blend
Let it sit for 24 hours – oxidation helps the flavours mellow and marinate
Taste, adjust with an extra drop or two if you need more character

Want to build full-bodied whisky with it? Pair it with the Classic Whiskey or Scotch Essence from our shelf. Add Peat Smoke last – it’s the garnish, not the base.

Old Smoke, New Tricks

This kind of depth used to take barrels, time, and a fire-hardened shed coated with years of soot. Now, it fits in your back pocket. That’s the game-changer – old tradition made repeatable, available, and outrageously convenient.

And in the conditions we brew under – dry summers, cool sheds, variable temps – consistency matters. With Still Spirits Peat Smoke, you’re not second-guessing if your malt smoked long enough. You’re just nailing it.

Is It ‘Cheating’?

Not a chance. It’s knowing when to do things the smart way, not the hard way. You’ve earned that. You still need to distil right. Filter clean. Choose a solid base. Peat Smoke just gives your end result that moment of “oi, this is bloody good” without waiting 12 years and buying a cask.

Other Tips from Around the Shed

Label bottles with drop count and date – ageing a week or two can make a difference
Try smoking meats while you sip a dram (trust me, it completes the circle)
Use smaller tasting jars to mix experimental batches before committing a whole litre

It’s not always about the biggest still or rarest malt – it’s the finish. That one note that lingers just right on the back of your tongue. Still Spirits Peat Smoke delivers that, bottled and waiting. Grab it, try it, own it.