Whisky : Peat Monster by Compass Box

Country/Region : Scotland/Blend

ABV : 46%

Cask : American Oak

Tasting : Neat in a Glencairn @ Home

Nose : Iodine and brine leap out of the glass. There is strong element of seawater from the Islay peat. Tar and plastic come out in a combination that closely matches that ‘new car smell.’

Palate : A twangy— almost citrus like peat comes full forward. It is much sweeter than the nose leads you to expect; brown sugar, salted caramel, or even creamy dulce de leche round out the palate.

Finish : A sweet smoke hangs out during a medium finish.

Score : 6

Mental Image : Opening the door to a new model rental car on a tropical island.

Something a bit Better : Compass Box No Name 1 ed. (more peat, more iodine, more intensity)

Something Similar : Ardbeg 10 (less sweet, similar citrus and salty peat notes)

Something a bit Worse : Laphroaig 10 (more smoke and sweet, less body and finish)

Notes : Peat Monster is neither strongly peaty, nor terribly monstrous. The nose is dominated by Laphroaig with hints of Ledaig, but the Ardmore and Caol Ila express themselves more firmly in palate.

My favorite part about it might be the label artwork on the box— my wife identified strongly with the monster when she saw it. Indeed, my wife is the reason I ordered this bottle in the first place. A local bar has had Peat Monster on their menu for years, but never had it in stock to pour. Now I am pretty doubtful that they ever had more than maybe one bottle that maybe someone brought in and long ago finished. No local distributer carries Compass Box so I have no idea how or why it ever appeared on the menu except to tempt my wife.

To help sell my wife on the idea of expanding our scotch collection, I have made sure that the collection remains dominated by the things she likes. That’s the great tragedy of Peat Monster… it is not amazing, but it is a fine daily dram. It can hit the spot when you want some peat and comes in at a fair price point. Yet, for us, the bottle is sacred… unable to easily be replaced.

However, even more than wishing we had it available locally, I wish that Compass Box would turn the Peat Monster into a plush stuffed animal— I know that would make my wife very happy.