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!