What gives Scotch an earthy flavor (4)

I believe the answer is:

peat

(Other definitions for peat that I've seen before include "Fuel from marsh" , "Bog material" , "Partially carbonised vegetable matter used as a fuel when dried" , "Saturated and compressed vegetable matter, used as fuel when dried out" , "Tape around turf" .)

I've seen this clue in The New York Times.

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