Shortly after Compass Box released The Peat Monster 10th Anniversary edition, John Glaser made a big announcement. This is a blend of malt whiskies from the Talisker, Miltonduff and Ardbeg Distilleries, together with Compass Box's assertive Palate: The mouthfeel is light, and at first it seems tame and mellow. From here and elsewhere, they share your passion for wines, beers and spirits. The Speyside malt comes from Ardmore distillery. At first sniff, I get salted butter with mushroom and umami. Compass box gets a nuanced peat presentation by blending peated expressions from Islay, Mull, and Ardmore from the Highlands north coast. Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana (46%, OB 2020, blended malt, 8328 btl.) There is a sootiness to it with a touch of salinity as if they captured the taste of an extinguished match head. Compass Box's Peat Monster is more AC/DC than Metallica. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs. 750ml $65, and the mini gift set $25. We're working on a solution. So why on Earth would the founder all of sudden change the recipe? While still, Whisky should be bottled without chill-filtering and at its natural colour, Drink good whisky any way you like; no rules. This year Compass Box celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Peat Monster with a limited edition anniversary release, bottled at 97.8 proof. The Peat Monster is a blended malt, batched and bottled by Compass Box. Looking back at 2019, I cannot believe I thought it was a terrible year. Compass Box The Peat Monster blended malt review. Review - Peat Monster Arcana This whisky sees Compass Box, the innovative whisky blenders, continuing their 20th anniversary celebrations with the release of a limited edition version of their popular Peat Monster blended malt. Compass Box Peat Monster is a vatted malt whisky (all malt blend) that combines big burly Islay and Mull whiskies with gentler, more mildly peated, Highland whisky. Islay is represented by a village of Port Askaig and some south coast Islay too. The much-beloved Peat Monster was recently given a new recipe designed to create greater depth and elegance. The whisky flip flops between fruit and smoke. Critics have scored this product 89 points. Wine Enthusiast. While it did change over the years, the composition of the current regular version that I am reviewing here appears to be as follows: 40% Laphroaig, 26% Ardmore, 20% Ledaig, 13% Caol Ila, 1% others (Clynelish, Dailuaine, Teaninich). The mouthfeel is light, and at first it seems tame and mellow. Compass Box whiskies represent the full spectrum of flavours to be found in Scotch, featuring full-flavoured malt and grain whisky, such as Rogues' Banquet, Hedonism, The Peat Monster, Artist's Blend, Myths & Legends and The Circle. Information divulged is usually very bare bone with much left to one’s own imagination. Almost to the end of the Compass Box standard range. Ha! Nose: Clean, coastal smoke, freshly toasted grains, burning pine, tree sap, kerosene, key limes, smoked ham, and some road tar in the back Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana. Pitch-perfect balance and delicious chewy complexity. While the aforementioned whiskeys are blended scotches, and therefore a mixture of grain and malt whiskey, The Peat Monster is a vatted malt. Unlike basically everybody who wrote about whisky in 2004, I never reviewed the original Peat Monster from Compass Box. A bit of sweet cream lingers on the tongue after sipping. The charred plastic Laphroaig character comes through heavily and gets balanced out with elegant notes of honey sweetness, smoke and spice. As palates have changed, Glaser does not think whisky has to stay stagnant either. The peat influence, while still omnipresent, is now more subtle. It is coastal, yet it also reminds me of fresh soil in the garden. The Peat Monster 10th Anniversary edition. Thoughts: Much like his hideous creation surprises Victor Frankenstein by being eloquent and learned, The Peat Monster surprises by not being the overwhelming, overblown novelty whisky its title hints at. The result is richly smoky, with underlying hints of fruit and oak. Brands do that all the time, but The Peat Monster happens to be Compass Box’s most successful whisky. If you have ever had a campfire on a damp day, that is what this is like on the nose. The updated label with new artwork by Marc Burckhardt is great. Yes, it is definitely full of big peat and smoke tones but there is a subtle smoothness and roundness that gives it a welcome touch of refinement and elegance. The results were illuminating. The Speyside malt comes from Ardmore distillery. The whisky flip flops between fruit and smoke. As you can guess from the name this whisky focuses on peated whiskies from all over Scotland. However, there are bolder peated whiskies than this whisky. Review : Compass Box The Peat Monster Posted by Donnie on Sep 7, 2018 The whisky world is nothing short of a mystery, a vast expanse of knowledge, process and tradition hidden under the garb of trade secrets and cut throat competition. I like peat a lot! Looking back at 2019, I cannot believe I thought it was a terrible year. Blended malt scotch. Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana is a limited edition, based on a cask strength version of The Peat Monster, their blend of smoky malt whiskies, extra matured in three second-fill casks with heavily toasted French oak heads. Hi Yoav, Nice review, Ardmore however is in the Highland region, BenRiach and Tomintoul (Old Ballantruan) are both regularly peated speysiders though I’m sure plenty other speyside distilleries produce peated batches – the strangest I’ve had was a peated Mortlach … review. There is a sootiness to it with a touch of salinity as if they captured the taste of an extinguished match head. Tasting Notes (2) Facts Tasting Notes Reviews How We Pack 94 Points. On the nose it’s gentle and fragrant, wafting over candied citrus, lemon-frosted cake, and raspberry, along with classic peated undertones of charcoal and iodine. This year Compass Box celebrates the 10th anniversary of the Peat Monster with a limited edition anniversary release, bottled at 97.8 proof. On the nose it’s gentle and fragrant, wafting over candied citrus, lemon-frosted cake, and raspberry, along with classic peated undertones of charcoal and iodine. Glaser founded Compass Box twenty years ago “to make the world of scotch whisky a more interesting place.” Back when he first launched The Peat Monster, whisky drinkers as a collective were not as big into peated whisky as they are now. And much like AC/DC's guitar tones, there's a lot of midrange here, but not as much amped-up drive (or peat) as some might think. The peat influence, while still omnipresent, is now more subtle. Nose: At first sniff, I get salted butter with mushroom and umami. When you buy something through our … That's not to say it's a bad whisky. I was devastated since The Peat Monster is one of my favourite whiskies. OBSERVATION NOTES. Shortly after Compass Box released, Glaser founded Compass Box twenty years ago “to make the world of scotch whisky a more interesting place.” Back when he first launched The Peat Monster, whisky drinkers as a collective were not as big into peated whisky as they are now. If you have ever had a campfire on a damp day, that is what this is like on the nose. From the fantastic Compass Box team comes a limited edition bottling of their Peat Monster blended Malt, which explores the impact French oak can have on peaty whisky. It is floral and herbaceous with a bitter quality to it from the oak. It should also be noted that by clicking the buy link towards the bottom of this review our site receives a small referral payment which helps to support, but not influence, our editorial and other costs. Compass Box The Peat Monster Summer 2019 Scotch. The new recipe, however, aims to deliver bigger peat and more elegantly than before. The Peat Monster contains malt whiskies from the legendary Isle of Islay, along with a helping of Highland malt in there too. Overall, the look scratches me precisely where I itch. The labels and box are predominantly dark leather in color with gold lettering and an artist’s interpretation of an actual peat monster which runs the risk of being mistaken for some renderings of Cthulu. Only registered users can leave review. Compass Box The Peat Monster Review – OVERALL Compass Box The Peat Monster is a good buttery whisky. The current change to The Peat Monster is significant, shifting from four component single malts and a drop of blended malt to just two single malts—Caol Ila and Laphroaig—along with 1% Compass Box’s custom blended malt finished in toasted French oak casks. 6 thoughts on “ Whisky Review – Compass Box The Peat Monster ” Barry Bradford February 24, 2014 at 11:11 am. I need to get a sample for a formal review – or maybe … Editor’s Note: This whisky was provided to us as a review sample by Compass Box. Copyright 2021 - The Whiskey Wash   -  Designed by Thrive Already a member? Rely on experts who review hundreds of products every year to guide you in your discoveries. Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom known for whisky rather than wine; the climate ... Stores and prices for 'Compass Box The Peat Monster Blended Malt Scot ... ' | prices, stores, tasting notes and market data. Shop now. Presenting...The Peat Monster: THE BASICS Type: Blended Malt Scotch ABV: 46% Region: Islay, Islands, Speyside Chill-Filtration: Nope Coloring: Natural. Compass Box has many lovely bottlings in their lineup, but arguably their breakthrough whisky was the Peat Monster—an unapologetically peaty blend of single malts that has a balanced sweetness to it that makes it an entirely distinct style of whiskey. I find Peat Monster to be a gentle point with an impressive peat … Vital Stats: 46% ABV. Compass Box Peat Monster, 46% ABV. A bit of sweet cream lingers on the tongue after sipping. Islay is represented by a village of Port Askaig and some south coast Islay too. However, the peaty smoke builds in a crescendo. A top-quality vatting of the peated Speysider Ardmore with some choice Islay malt, Peat Monster is never less than excellent. 750ml $65, and the mini gift set $25. In terms of aesthetic, The Peat Monster takes a decidedly Lovecraftian approach. Users have rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. Get Woodford Reserve® Double Oaked Bourbon at ReserveBar. The Peat Monster contains malt whiskies from the legendary Isle of Islay, along with a helping of Highland malt in there too. However, there are bolder peated whiskies than this whisky. Color: Crystal clear straw. Seeing as how Compass Box regularly uses Caol Ila and Clynelish I imagine they’re the Islay and Highland whiskies at work in current versions. So a couple of years ago, Compass Box whisky maker Jill Boyd hosted a blind tasting with London’s Soho Whisky Club, pitting Peat Monster against five other heavily peated scotch malt whiskies. It may come across loud and aggressive to the uninitiated, but it won't blow the seasoned peat-head away. While still a non-age-statement whisky, the new version is also older than before. Compass Box The Peat Monster is a vatted malt of Islay, Speyside and Isle of Mull, created by John Glaser from Compass Box. A cask strength version of The Peat Monster was further matured in three French oak custom casks for more than two years; it was … We began with a cask strength version of The Peat Monster - our blend of smoky malt whiskies - which we then filled into three once-used casks fitted with heavily toasted French oak heads. However after a bit of joking on Twitter, Chris from Compass Box was kind enough to send me a sample. If you look at the five core beliefs at Compass Box, then it comes to no surprise that Glaser breaks the mold. He states, “, The former Peat Monster recipe was bottled all the way up to 2018, and you can still find it on liquor store shelves. Whiskey Review: Compass Box The Peat Monster, about 2005 Single Malts of Scotland Ledaig 11 Years Review, Compass Box Spice Tree is a recreation of an old whisky Compass Box created that they can no longer make due to the unimaginative folks in the SWA (Sc…, 1995 Faultline Mortlach 22 Year Old Review, 1995 Faultline Mortlach 22 Year Old is a single, first-fill sherry, cask of Mortlach aged for 22 years and picked out by the folks at K&L with som…, Tweeddale 12 Years Blended Scotch Whisky Review, Crown Royal Texas Mesquite Review - The Whiskey Jug, 2005 Single Malts of Scotland Ledaig 11 Years Review. Users have rated this product 4.5 out of 5 stars. I've tried this whisky a good number of times before including at the World Record Attempt at 4:30am and i was too tired to do notes. Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana investigates how smoky whisky interacts with French oak. I tasted it a few times at whisky shows and always found it dry and lacking in both the maritime complexity one expects from Islay peat and any kind of characteristic that warrants the “monster” moniker. Evolution. I really enjoyed it at the recent chocolate pairing tastings. Nose: the generous dose of Talisker is clearly noticeable. Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana, 20th Anniversary Release Peat Monster Arcana celebrates mysteries but there will be no secrets. Enjoy reading The Whiskey Jug? Compass Box The Peat Monster is a vatted malt of Islay, Speyside and Isle of Mull, created by John Glaser from Compass Box. 'The Peat Monster' is a blended malt that has been part of Compass Box's 'Signature Range' since 2003. 95 . Two of the casks imparted extra creaminess and toasty spice, while the third became fruitier and chocolatey. My 29th scotch review and 61st whiskey network review. | Powered by WordPress, Flavor Development, Episode 6: Defining Sources of Flavor and Aroma in Whisky – Lactic Acid Bacteria, Whisky Review: Compass Box The Peat Monster. Peat Monster Arcana is the result of a long-running experiment into the secrets and mysteries of oak and smoke. It is coastal, yet it also reminds me of fresh soil in the garden. Compass Box would be deviating from the original Peat Monster recipe. Compass Box The Peat Monster Scotch Blended Malt . The Peat Monster from Compass Box is still in my top scotch whiskies. The former Peat Monster recipe was bottled all the way up to 2018, and you can still find it on liquor store shelves. Compass Box whiskies represent the full spectrum of flavours to be found in Scotch, featuring full-flavoured malt and grain whisky, such as Rogues' Banquet, Hedonism, The Peat Monster, Artist's Blend, Myths & Legends and The Circle. The changes to the recipe are very subtle, but overall it is still delicious as ever. 6 thoughts on “ Whisky Review – Compass Box The Peat Monster ” Barry Bradford February 24, 2014 at 11:11 am. Ha! Critics have scored this product 89 points. a non-age-statement whisky, the new version is also older than before. Relatively gentle, ashy smoke, a bit of briney sharpness, kippers, some pepper and leather saddle. Look for a pale gold hue and a floral, grassy, salt-breezy aroma that reflects a delicate hint of peat smoke. Blended malt scotch. Review : Compass Box The Peat Monster Posted by Donnie on Sep 7, 2018 Sep 6, 2018 The whisky world is nothing short of a mystery, a vast expanse of knowledge, process and tradition hidden under the garb of trade secrets and cut throat competition. Scotland is a part of the United Kingdom known for whisky rather than wine; the climate ... Stores and prices for 'Compass Box The Peat Monster Blended Ma ... ' | tasting notes, market data, prices and stores in USA. He states, “We reserve the right to make our products better.”. I really enjoyed it at the recent chocolate pairing tastings. We reserve the right to make our products better. I need to get a sample for a formal review – or maybe … Sign in . Compass Box The Peat Monster (image via Compass Box). It is floral and herbaceous with a bitter quality to it from the oak. Compass Box Peat Monster Bottling Note A peaty blended malt created by the renowned John Glaser, of Compass Box. “We saw where Peat Monster … If you own a bottle of the original, you can always grab the mini bottle set that has The Peat Monster, The Spaniard, and The Spice Tree to compare the new recipe. 46% ABV. Compass Box has many lovely bottlings in their lineup, but arguably their breakthrough whisky was the Peat Monster—an unapologetically peaty blend of single malts that has a balanced sweetness to it that makes it an entirely distinct style of whiskey. Micro-distillery Compass Box is in on the peaty scotch act as well with The Peat Monster, and this suitably named whiskey takes the quality angle of the peaty, blended scotch up a full notch. Compass box gets a nuanced peat presentation by blending peated expressions from Islay, Mull, and Ardmore from the Highlands north coast. Book Review: The American Whiskey Tasting Notebook The Peat Monster from Compass Box is still in my top scotch whiskies. Note: Beginning in 2019, all batches of Compass Box Peat Monster will feature a new Painting Label as well as a new recipe. The new recipe, however, aims to deliver bigger peat and more elegantly than before. The changes to the recipe are very subtle, but overall it is still delicious as ever. However, the peaty smoke builds in a crescendo. Compass Box Peat Monster Bottling Note A peaty blended malt created by the renowned John Glaser, of Compass Box. The final 1% is a blend of Highland malts from Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Teaninich which finished for two years in Compass Box's new French oak toasted hybrid barrels. Themes This in no way, per our editorial policies, influenced the final outcome of this review. Compass Box The Peat Monster Review . Review - Peat Monster Arcana This whisky sees Compass Box, the innovative whisky blenders, continuing their 20th anniversary celebrations with the release of a limited edition version of their popular Peat Monster blended malt. The much-beloved Peat Monster was recently given a new recipe designed to create greater depth and elegance. Privacy Policy. Hi Yoav, Nice review, Ardmore however is in the Highland region, BenRiach and Tomintoul (Old Ballantruan) are both regularly peated speysiders though I’m sure plenty other speyside distilleries produce peated batches – the strangest I’ve had was a peated Mortlach … Please support me on Patreon! Compass Box’s The Peat Monster holds down the big, smoky, peaty end of the range. As palates have changed, Glaser does not think whisky has to stay stagnant either. Compass Box The Peat Monster blended malt review. 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