The first time I laid eyes on the cask strength (57.3% ABV) Peat Monster in the 1.75L bottle, I was star struck. The thing looks magnificent. They should have one sitting on a pedestal next to Michelangelo’s David in Florence. I managed to scoff up a few of the 1,985 produced, but have hastened to open one due to the attractiveness and sheer volume of whisky needing consumption. As an alternative, I went out and bought the regular Peat Monster (46% ABV), which I recently finished. I assumed Compass Box used the same formula for both whiskies, but I was wrong. Essentially, the cask strength is 40% Laphroaig, 31% Caol Ila, 20% Ardmore, with the remaining being Ledaig and their Highland Malt Blend. The regular Peat Monster is 54% Caol Ila, 34% Laphroaig, with the remaining being Ardmore, Ledaig, and their Highland Malt blend. The average ages of both blended malts are roughly 8 years. Additionally, the Laphroaig in the CS spent its time in re-charred hogshead versus refill for the regular PM. These variations have probably introduced a different dynamic between the two that @LeeEvolved has pointed out in his reviews of both. The regular Peat Monster is a great dram with a good level of smokiness and complexity, but simply not in the 5-star category as its kindred No Name. The nose is a mild ashy smoke, sea spray, lemon citrus, and slightly sweet vanilla. This all carries through nicely to the palate and finishes respectably with no hint of bitterness. Easily, a 4-star dram. Soon, I hope to crack open one of the big boys to see how it compares