Tastes

Compass Box has a reputation for making truly interesting options and Peat Monster doesn’t deviate or disappoint when it comes to a fun experience. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - Upon cracking it open, there’s no doubt Peat Monster will get you excited. It definitely holds a bright and vibrant peat essence and the color is elegant and alluring. NOSE - The nose on this one is particularly exciting, offering a wide array of citrus notes, melon, fresh cut straw, chestnut, fudge, butterscotch, and a beautiful and buttery finish. This one holds a savory peat, almost hickory smoke-like, finishing things out with an herbal fragrance (think green fields). PALATE - The palate is a lightweight fighter, swift when it needs to be, but heavy-hitting in some key, unexpected areas. I found a very pleasant vanilla fudge accompanied by sea salt, creamy oatmeal, and almond. Peat Monster hits dry and smooth, leaving a light residual heat, harkening back to that “heavy-hitting” comment. After a drop, I also experienced a very light creme brûlée and what seemed like pancakes. That was a nice and subtle addition. WASH - Peat Monster offers a proper linger, which surprised me due to the low ABV. You’ll find a pleasant heat here, which is a nice finish to this dram. WHAT I APPRECIATED - This is incredibly smooth, offering a treat of a nose and a genuinely elevated dram. This is one I’d share with mates and many who perhaps avoid peat might truly enjoy. CONCLUSION - To be fully transparent, the name seems to do it a disservice. Peat Monster is well balanced and extremely shareable. That’s not really what I was hoping for. While it does offer a wonderful peat profile, it doesn’t offer the expected depth of other “over the top” heavily peated scotches. It seems to only be turned up to 7 or 8 when others are at 11. Considering it’s called “Monster,” I have to say I expected more “growl” and low end. If your looking for a deeper, earthed peat experience, you may want to look elsewhere. If however, you prefer your peat in a three-piece suit and cleaned up, you’ve arrived. Cheers!

Port Askaig 110° Proof offers a high proof Scotch for one seeking adventure in Scotch territory. Whether of not it’s an adventure worth taking is up to you. I don’t often find high proof Scotches, so when I do, there is intrigue and a feeling that pursuit must take shape. Generally speaking, Scotch lends itself to certain levels of sophistication, even when boasting slogans like “it’s like kissing a mermaid after she’s just eaten barbecue” (I’m looking at you Laphroaig). While a peaty beast might seem unbridled, there’s still enough nuance and craftsmanship there to make an argument of art. Especially when that art is properly balanced. But what happens when you add a high proof to that art form? If you’re into high proof, wouldn’t that be the cat’s meow? The Initial nosing hit a tad hash revealing nail polish remover immediately. A bit more time allowed a sweet ethanol fragrance, followed by cantaloupe, popcorn, peat, butterscotch, and hardtack candy. Adding a drop of water opened the dram up a bit, offering mild lemon zest, just happy to have been invited to the party. It wasn’t much, but it did add complexity and that helped. The mouth on this was light to medium bodied on the tongue, showcasing dried pumpkin seed, salted sunflower seeds, sweet mid-tones and a resounding heat due to the high proof. The finish was lingering and warm, floating in the chest with a savory burn. This one might not be the best summertime dram. There is no doubt that pairing some of these elements together generates a fun exploration and something you don’t often find. However, the substance (flavor and nose) to proof ratio here simply didn’t hit high enough to make me want a second date. For those seeking something as a one and done deal, this might be calling your name. For those seeking a well balanced “sit and enjoy” type dram, you’ll likely want to look elsewhere. Flaviar (Peat it, pet it! Vol .2) 7/21/20

If the team at Black Button set out to offer something original, their Four Grain Bourbon hits the mark for those looking for something outside the box. Truth be told, I love when a distillery colors outside the lines. For me, when distilleries take risks, their drive for creativity often outweigh the end product, even if the end product isn’t terribly enjoyable. A dram can be artistic expression, and the process is sometimes more exciting than the piece itself. FIRST IMPRESSIONS - My initial reaction is that Black Button Four Grain Bourbon is extremely light and fleeting, similar to a watery Irish Whisky. I didn’t love it as first, but after three drams, it’s growing on me. This one takes a few rounds to fully “get” but if you’re willing to appreciate it for what it is, you may come around. NOSE - I find mild tones of sugary spices and caramel. There is definitely rich corn sweetness alongside extremely light molasses. The nose carries an essence of rye with a lavender subtlety. Think Dad's Hat Pennsylvanian Rye mixed with Brenne French Single Malt. It’s very interesting to say the least. PALATE - the palate is dry, showcasing walnuts and salty almonds. The sweetness of the nose shows up here too with some toasted caramel, butter, and a savory oatmeal notes. The mouthfeel is medium-light and not all that complex. WASH - You’ll find some residual heat here but it won’t last long, so don’t get attached. The finish leaves behind some nice sugary tones but those soon turn more nutty and savory. This is quite fleeting. WHAT I APPRECIATED - This bourbon is a fun copilot, helping you ease into summer. If I were to receive a dram of this upon arriving at a barbecue, this would be eagerly welcomed and delightful. It’s playful and refreshing enough to check some boxes and prepares the palate for more. On the other hand though, if this were served as an exit dram at the end of the night, I’d feel a bit disappointed. CONCLUSION - This bourbon is youthful, flirtatious, and light, finding a place on the shelf of a collector or more adventurous dabbler. However, it lacks the nuances found in more mature bourbons. If you’re looking for something with more kick, or even with more of a traditional bourbon profile, look elsewhere. Opened: 05/13/20 Finished: