We have our own peat beds right next to the ancient Machrie golf links. We look after it very carefully and still hand cut our peat the traditional way. It's important to always put the top layer of peat back after cutting, so that the peat will be able to replenish itself over time. After all it's been here for millions of years. Islay peat, along with the rest of the island, is pretty unique. As there aren't any forests, unlike on the mainland so our peat is made up of other decaying plant matter - namely heather, mosses and lichens. This makes for a different quality and flavour of peat altogether. It is the lichens that give our peat the medicinal flavours that are a hallmark of the Laphroaig flavour profile.