Compass Box - The Peat Monster - 46%

From the Compass Box website

An unconventionally elegant combination of Islay single malts, interwoven to deliver complex layers of peat and smoke. 

A graceful colossus with hidden depths, The Peat Monster layers whiskies of sweet smoke with those of a more heavy peatiness.

Natural Colour, Not Chill-filtered

Tasting Notes

Appearance: The colour of Chardonnay, forms a thin line which beads before slowly falling as thin legs

Nose: Sweet, slightly ashy smoke, lemon zest, green apples, vanilla and salty sea breeze

Palate: Soft, sweet bonfire smoke, baked apples with cinnamon, subtle medicinal phenol, lemon citrus, sea salt and a touch of black pepper

Finish: Long and lingering. Phenolic peat smoke builds as nutty oak spice slowly dissipates

Overall: According to the recipe on the Compass Box website, Peat Monster is a blend of 69% Caol Ila refilled hogsheads, 35% Laphroaig and 1% of their Highland malt blend. 

It’s a very decent dram, well balanced and cleverly crafted to bring let the individual elements shine. Those typically Caol Ila notes are highly evident throughout, whilst the medicinal Laphroaig character comes through strongly in the finish.

Price is around £55, and well worth a look.

For more information on the Compass Box range of whiskies, follow the link to the company website.