About Our Name
We are frequently
asked "Where did
you come up with the name Peat & Barley?".
Originally, because of our interest
in Scottish fiddle music, we wanted to include a "Scottish flavor" in
the
name.
Scottish
Whiskey (i.e. Scotch) receives it's
distinctive
"smoky" flavor from the drying of the malted barley grain over peat
fires. The peat smoke flavors the barley, which in turn flavors
the Whiskey. Therefore, peat and the barley are two of the major
components in one of Scotland's major industries. But there is
a broader Celtic connection. Peat has a long history as a fuel
source
in both Ireland and Scotland while barley's use in brewing beer brings
to
mind the pleasures of having a pint in the comfortable
surroundings
of the local pub.
So what is Peat?
Peat
is actually the first step in the formation of coal.
It is a dense mat of 
water-logged
decaying vegetable matter which forms
in swampy areas in cold and temperate climates. Over time, peat
is compressed by the new plant matter falling on top of it and
eventually
is compacted by so much pressure that it becomes coal. Peat has
been dug out of the ground, dried and used for fuel in Scotland and
Ireland for centuries. At Celtic Festivals or on the Internet,
you can buy peat logs to burn for heat, flavoring or simply for the
distinctive aroma. We bought our peat ( for display at our
performances)
from Sneaky Peat.
What about Barley?
Barley is one of the most common and important grains grown around the world and is a staple food for humans and animals. Malted barley is instrumental in the production of beer and whiskey/scotch. Evidence indicates barley was cultivated in the Middle East as early as 6000 BC.
water-logged
decaying vegetable matter which forms
in swampy areas in cold and temperate climates. Over time, peat
is compressed by the new plant matter falling on top of it and
eventually
is compacted by so much pressure that it becomes coal. Peat has
been dug out of the ground, dried and used for fuel in Scotland and
Ireland for centuries. At Celtic Festivals or on the Internet,
you can buy peat logs to burn for heat, flavoring or simply for the
distinctive aroma. We bought our peat ( for display at our
performances)
from Sneaky Peat. What about Barley?
Barley is one of the most common and important grains grown around the world and is a staple food for humans and animals. Malted barley is instrumental in the production of beer and whiskey/scotch. Evidence indicates barley was cultivated in the Middle East as early as 6000 BC.
