Compass Box The Peat Monster Arcana

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.

As a big fan of the original peat monster blends I’ve been eagerly awaiting the drop of this arcane version to Canada. I expected these to be similar in many ways, but nothing could be further from the truth. The nose is subtle, decadent and only mildly smoky, forcing you to not take a sip but slow down and explore. This is stark contrast to the classic which jumps up and down screaming at you to pay attention to its peatiness. After taking some more time you’ll discover deep malted barley in addition to some fruity undertones. The palate is richer than the classic as well, first delivering the earthy namesake, but then springing to life with baking spices and char that instantly transports me to a bourbon glass. It will then take you back to Scotland where the Ardbeg influence delivers those wonderfully chewy umami flavors. Finish is medium, with oak and pepper being the dominate players. This is much more complex then the original, however like having 2 kids who are different, I love them both for different reasons. One of the monsters is bright, shiny, loud and smoky, and the other is mellow, rich and earthy. At the price of 121 dollars CAD, it is probably overpriced, but I’m glad I was able to snag a bottle if indeed this is a limited release.

Nose - Fruity, young whisky notes, with hints of peat and if there's smoke it's minimal. I'd honestly explain this best as light and lacking. This desperately needed 48% or higher abv to save it at least on the nose. Taste - Light, soft, sweet, sugary, vanilla, light fruits, touch of toasted oak, and on the back end some peat. It builds as it sits in your mouth and the peat and light smoke build. Insanely boring and dull whisky. I'm not sure what I expected for just under 100 bucks from Compass Box but I guess I hoped for more peat. 1.75 - it's fine. It's ok. I can't imagine I ever want to pour another glass.

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.

Lemon, vanilla pound cake, and milk chocolate play wonderfully with seaweed and sweet meaty peat smoke. A little soft for 94 proof, it’s not as potent as the standard peat monster. There’s an oaky quality here as well but the toasted buttery flavor expected from French oak aging fails to make an appearance. It’s thoughtful and delicious and I would recommend it to the rebels who like a slightly smoother peat experience.

The nose is a vibrant vanilla heavy nose. A bit of a white wine tinge to the nose with a bit of iodized salt. On the palate, beautiful smooth peat from Ardbeg that’s settled down by a bit of the Talisker as well. Banana and Demerara sugar brings it to almost a banana’s foster topping some vanilla ice cream (along with a remarkable soapy undertone that is fascinating).