Updated March 2026.
“Smoky whiskey” is tasting English, not a TTB class. Peat smoke on malted barley is one path (common on some Islay single malts). Char, toasted barrels, and mezcal are different smoke stories. A 1.5-ounce pour is one NIAAA drink at 40% and 1.20 at 48%. We will not invent a 2026 ranking, a ppm score, or an MSRP. Read the class and the proof on that neck.
Related: what is peated whiskey, Glenlivet vs Glenfiddich, Black vs Double Black.
Smoke is not a legal type
| Language | What it has to mean |
|---|---|
| Peated malt | Malt dried over peat smoke — not a TTB type |
| ppm phenol | Lab/marketing number; not required on the label |
| US whiskey / bourbon | Still 27 CFR 5.143 if that class is printed |
| Typical US single malt 40% | 1.00 drink per 1.5 oz |
A 750 mL 40% bottle is about 17 drinks. Four 48% pours are about 4.8 drinks. Pour math: whiskey drinks.
Sources
- Scotch single-malt technical file. TTB 27 CFR 5.143. ppm is not a legal class.
- JW Double Black US 40% official (smokier blend copy). NIAAA December 2025.