Compass Box The Peat Monster Arcana

Smoke, peat, lemon peel, very oily. Milder than straight laphroaig

Can you guess what would happen if you blend a Cask Strength Peat Monster from Compass Box, with Ardbeg, Talisker, Miltonduff and mature it in a custom french oak cask? Well, the answer is that you get an enhanced Peat Monster, the Arcana. This special limited edition, is a spin off of the original Peat Monster, intended to please the most experienced palates. And believe me, it achieved its goal. Bottled at 46%abv, Amber color. On the nose, it is super aromatic; Incense, gooseberries, chocolate. "Swampy"; Vanilla, sown earth, cloth softener. After a first sip, it became very maritime. Marshmallows. Impressive really. Rainforest. On the palate, it is delicious and super balanced as most Compass Box Whiskies. Chocolate, Marshmallow, salt and tar notes. Meaty and oaky. Aftertaste can be a little short, but still super interesting. Pepper, chilli, smoky. Coffee beans. Tar and ashes. Very salty. Overall, this is a very light but beautiful dram, super well crafted, that manages to make you feel each of the whiskies used in a separate way, but at the same time in an harmonious conjunction. If you close your eyes while tasting it you can split the Talisker from the Ardbeg and from the Miltonduff and have everything dancing incredibly at the same time in your palate. Amazing dram. My score is 91 over 100 for it.

Peaty, smoky but smooth … Scotts Xmas

More subtle, less peaty. Ok in small amounts but not super into

My third CB, and my first of the Peat Monsters. I tasted a sample on three occasions (and I‘m glad I have a whole bottle yet to open). The nose is lovely. A lot of peat - of course - but in a smooth and sweet fashion. Leather. On the palate again smoke and fruit and vanilla. Nice mouthfeel. Great harmony. Good length. Ashtray on the finish indeed. I have read that the normal Peat Monster is supposed to be as good, but I am already very much satisfied with this limited monster „Arcana“. Proud to own a bottle.

The nose is recognizably Talisker, but thinner. Sharper, but disappears on the finish way too fast. The first Scotch to make me think of cigarette ash on the aftertaste. I wanted to like this more, and I did like it, but perhaps I had inflated expectations. I think straight Talisker is much better.