Look: Peat Monster is a beautiful straw, light yellow color. Clearly, Compass Box wasn’t worried about the color, and didn’t add caramel coloring. Lacing shows up on the glass when swirling, but it’s minimal compared to most whiskeys I’ve encountered Nose: wow, the aromas live up to the name. Peat, hardwood smoked bacon, sweetness coming through as honey. Sea salt is also there, especially after swirling the whisky Taste: initial taste is campfire and the ocean. As a Midwesterner, peat monster brings back good memories of trips to the ocean, and the salty water from the beach. Very appreciative of this flavor. Letting the whiskey venture around the tongue, I get more of the sweetness, followed by more peaty, woody notes. Finish: not lacking flavor, the finish is long lasting and largely the peat campfire flavor. Not terribly bitter or hot, Peat Monster has a great finish. Overall: I am a big fan of Peat Monster and would recommend this whisky big time. Not as aggressive as Laphroaig, but enough peat that you’ll be able to pick apart the earthy notes of Islay.