The Outcomes
Smoke
Most relevant to whisky (peated malt) and mezcal (earthen-pit-roasted agave), smoke is one of the most polarising and most misunderstood spirit outcomes — a Choice made early, at preparation, that shapes everything downstream.
None
Intense
I
None
No smoke character at all — unpeated malt, or a spirit with no smoke exposure in its making.
II
Faint
The faintest trace, more implied than tasted.
III
Noticeable
Clearly present alongside other flavours, not yet dominant.
IV
Pronounced
A defining part of the profile, shaping most of what's tasted.
V
Intense
Peat or smoke leads everything else — the spirit's whole identity is built around it.
Smoke level is almost entirely a Choice, not a Force — the same barley or agave can be prepared with or without it.