Compass Box The Peat Monster Arcana

Can you imagine blending a Cask Strength Peat Monster from Compass Box, with Ardbeg, Talisker, Miltonduff and aging it in a custom french oak cask? Well, the result is an amplified Peat Monster, the Arcana. This unique limited edition is a variation of the original Peat Monster, created to satisfy the most experienced connoisseurs. And it certainly met its objective. Bottled at 46% alcohol by volume, with an amber hue. On the nose, it's incredibly aromatic; Incense, gooseberries, chocolate. "Swampy"; Vanilla, freshly turned earth, fabric softener. After an initial taste, it became very oceanic. Marshmallows. Truly impressive. Rainforest. On the palate, it's delightful and exceptionally well-balanced, as is typical for most Compass Box Whiskies. Chocolate, Marshmallow, salty and tarry notes. Meaty and woody. The finish can be a bit brief, but it remains extremely engaging. Pepper, chili, smoky. Coffee beans. Tar and ashes. Very salty. In summary, this is a very delicate yet beautiful drink, masterfully crafted, that allows you to perceive each of the whiskies used distinctly, yet harmoniously blended. If you close your eyes while tasting, you can differentiate the Talisker from the Ardbeg and the Miltonduff, with everything dancing together incredibly on your palate. An amazing drink. My rating is 91 out of 100 for it.

As a big fan of the original peat monster blends, I’ve been eagerly awaiting the release of this arcane version in 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, prompting you to slow down and explore rather than take an immediate sip. This is in stark contrast to the classic, which jumps up and down, screaming at you to pay attention to its peatiness. After taking 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 dominant elements. This is much more complex than the original, however, like having two different children, 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 CAD, it is probably overpriced, but I’m glad I was able to get 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 describe 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, a 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 intensify. Insanely boring and dull whisky. I'm not sure what I expected for just under $100 from Compass Box, but I guess I hoped for more peat. 1.75L - it's fine. It's okay. I can't imagine I'll ever want to pour another glass.

This is my third bottling from this brand, and my first from the Peat Monsters line. I sampled it on three separate occasions (and I'm pleased I still have a full bottle unopened). The aroma is delightful. Abundant peat - naturally - but in a smooth and sweet manner. Leather notes are present. On the palate, there's smoke, fruit, and vanilla again. A pleasant mouthfeel. Excellent balance. Good length. An ashtray-like note on the finish, indeed. I've heard the regular Peat Monster is equally good, but I'm already thoroughly satisfied with this limited edition 'Arcana' version. Proud to own a bottle.

Lemon, vanilla pound cake, and milk chocolate meld beautifully with seaweed and a sweet, savory peat smoke. It's a bit soft for its 94 proof, lacking the potency of a standard peat-forward expression. An oaky quality is present, but the expected toasted buttery flavor from French oak aging is absent. It's a well-considered and delicious spirit, recommended for those who appreciate a smoother peat experience.

The nose is dominated by vibrant vanilla, with a slight white wine undertone and a hint of iodized salt. On the palate, the smooth peat characteristic of Ardbeg is present, tempered slightly by Talisker. Banana and Demerara sugar contribute to a flavor profile resembling a banana's foster topping on vanilla ice cream, along with a fascinating, remarkable soapy undertone.