In which part of the whisky production process is peat utilized?

Peat is primarily utilized in the malting process of whisky production. Specifically, it is used as a fuel source during the drying phase after the barley has been soaked and germinated. The smoke from burning peat gives the malted barley distinctive flavors, which then influence the character of the whisky. This method is particularly common in the production of certain Scotch whiskies, where the smoky, earthy notes from the peat are a celebrated aspect of the final product.

While other processes such as maturation and fermentation are essential to whisky production, they do not involve the direct use of peat. Aging imparts flavors from the wood of the barrels, and fermentation relies on yeast to convert sugars into alcohol, neither of which involve peat. Thus, its role as a fuel source during the malting phase is key to understanding how peat contributes to the flavor profile of certain whiskies.