My favorite whiskies are peated Scotches. Ever since my first encounter with Ardbeg 10 at a Scotch tasting in 2005, I've been hooked. Even the lesser peated Scotches taste good to me, maybe not as good as finer unpeated Scotches, but I'll take a mediocre peated Scotch over a mediocre bourbon or Irish whiskey any day of the week. What is it about peat that gets me? I can't say. It's just my type. Teeling Blackpitts is a whiskey I've had my eye on since March when I read about it in Whisky Advocate. I also can't explain all the time why a certain bottle catches my eye, but in this case it's fairly clear that it was the word "peated," simple as that. I've only had one other peated Irish, Connemara, and that was purchased special order by a then-current-now-ex girlfriend for an Irish-specific tasting back in 2006. I remember I liked it, but I tasted half a dozen Irish whiskies that night, so specifics are blurry, and since it's not available in my area, I haven't had it again. In any case, when Teeling Blackpitts appeared as Advocate's #3 of 2021 on their top 20, I decided it was time, so I walked to the Wine & Spirits and picked up a bottle. I was struck by the presentation: nice packaging, the cylinder sleek and dark black like the name, concealing a squat, stout bottle, the glass equivalent of a perfect rugby build. On the nose the peat is subtle, elegant, though I only imagine that's the case if you're a seasoned peat drinker. It might take you by surprise and overwhelm you if this is your first experience with it, as it's a weaker than Islay but a little stronger than non-Islay peated Scotches. Underlying the peat aroma, however, are the traditional Irish aromas of apple, cereal grain, vanilla, and honey, which taken together, create a floral perfume that, while not reinventing the wheel, is quite satisfying, with the peat eventually fading into the background in favor of the fruit. On the palate, the fruit and peat comingle to produce the flavor of barbeque fruit with an almost tropical edge, as though the apple has transmuted to pineapple. It's reminiscent, I'd say, of adding pineapple cubes to a shish kebab. On the finish of the first few sips, this barbeque fruit flavor fades slowly to a pated salinity that reminds me of Laphroaig 10 at the end, but by the end of the glass, this had softened into ginger and pepper spices. Overall, while I'm not sure this will convert the peated Scotch fans to become peated Irish fans, it's a nice change of pace, more reminiscent overall of Highland Park or Jura than Ardbeg or Laphroaig. If you're not into peat yet, but have an interest this could serve as a gateway, but at $75, I'm having trouble giving that full, whole-hearted recommendation. It's not that I think I paid too much; it's more that I think this is just on the outer cusp of being priced more than it's worth. I'm curious about other Teeling products, but I'm not sure shelling out $65 is worth it on their single pot still when you can get either Redbreast or Green Spot for the same price. Anyone have any thoughts on that?