Compass Box The Peat Monster

Really pale straw color, surprisingly light. There is a huge peaty aroma that also has notes of roasted peanuts and bacon. But the flavor doesn’t have nearly as much peat and smoke as the aroma implies. The mouthfeel isn’t as full as anticipated, and it’s a bit sharp around the edges (but is softened considerably by a couple drops of water. Some herbal and wood flavors, a bit of saltiness at the end.

Found this one at a good value. It’s sweet and I enjoy the peaty and smoky flavors. I am surprised how this one smells and tastes for a blended malt.

Smelling this whisky makes me think of winter holidays as a kid. That might mean something way different to me than you but I’ll try to explain. Rich, potent mix of smoke and grilled meats, earthy notes, hints of sweet bbq meats and citrus. Somewhere back there are wet twigs stuck in the snow. Taste: quite rich rush of even more peat smoke than the nose, but just enough sweet fruits that the smoke doesn’t overwhelm the palate, more smoked meats come in mid palate, hints of floral, mint and even honey. Finish: medium There’s so much going on in this whisky and it reminds me of winter bonfires. I’ve never had the older Peat Monster recipes but this blend is very good, even for a peat novice like myself.

For the price Ardbeg 10 is more complex and smoother.

Nose-campfire, baking spices, pear Flavors-smoked pineapple rings, cinnamon, honey

Peat, smoked meat nose (I'm smelling crispy bacon on pizza crust. Unmistakable and bizzare.) More peat and smoke on the palate that's nicely balanced with tart apple, honey, pear. Long, drying finish that brings another wave of peat, with a little spice leading into a slight grassy sweetness. There's more going on here than I expected, but this is too balanced and pleasant to be a "monster." This is assertive, not aggressive. Will revisit with a cube or splash of water.