So, I love me some smoky, peaty, briny Islay… but for a variety of reasons I’m looking for something without the booze. I’m not expecting a whole lot here, but hoping there’s something better than what I’ve investigated so far.
Things I’ve looked at:
- Teas. There are a couple (Edinburgh & Harney) that do reasonably well as a general ‘lightly smoked tea with a hint of whiskey flavor,’ probably the best option I’ve found. The Harney & Sons in particular has enough smoke to it, though it’s more of a bourbon than a scotch, so nothing there for peat/brine.
- Non-alcoholic spirits. For my nickel these are basically the same as teas, just dramatically more expensive- not on the level of a good bottle of scotch, but still a chunk of change for what’s really flavored water. Some of them try to replicate the ethanol burn with peppercorn or capsaicin, which is interesting, but I’ve not found one that really excites me.
- Extract. Yet to actually try this, it’ll be here next week. At best I could see a few drops in some carbonated water, but I’m not expecting a lot.
Not the same as peat, but if you want smokey…
There’s a couple of “cocktail smoker” kits on the market. They’re basically wooden caps you place on a glass with a beverage in it. Inside the cap is a hole with a screen in it. You place wood chips (oak, cherry, mesquite, etc.) In it, light them with a butane torch, and cover it up. The smoke goes down into the glass and infuses the beverage.
I got one last year and it works reasonably well. It might help you get closer to what you’re looking for.
That’s a good thought. I was halfway considering a drop of liquid smoke, but this sounds a lot better. ;)
If you’re looking for smokey teas, Lapsang Souchong is a classic smoked Black Tea. I really Love it.
If you don’t mind flavored teas there are a lot from ugust Uncommon Tea that have smokey and whiskey-like flavors, but the flavorings are usually a little intense for me.
I saw a comment on one of the zero proof tequilas that said it’s their scotch replacement. I’ll see if I can find it again.
Not sure it’ll hit the Islay itch, but might be an avenue to research?
Edit: found the review
Thanks! I’ll take a look. I ordered https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B09HXVPK2D/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1 and, well… it’s not terrible, but I can’t justify $36 for a bottle of what’s effectively just an herbal tea.