Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana Review

Distilled by Multiple

Bottled by Compass Box

Region: Multiple

Type: Blended Malt

ABV: 46%

Age: NAS

Color: Pale Gold

Arcana is the name of this special release of Compass Box’s standard Peat Monster bottling. It is comprised of Talisker, Ardbeg, Miltonduff and some cask strength Peat Monster. As with everything that Compass Box does, this is bottled without added coloring or chill filtration.

Tasting Notes

Nose: A smorgasbord of citrus up front. There is lemongrass, fresh squeezed lemon and lemon candy before the nose transitions to vegetal and earthy peat notes clouded in haze of cigarette smoke.

Palate: Medium weight and waxy mouthfeel that starts very sweet with a continuation of the nose‘s fresh citrus. There is citrus candy before transitioning to some maritime notes of salty sea spray and peppery spice.

Finish: Good length with more waxy character and notes of creamy milk chocolate, burnt sugar and barrel char before returning to vegetal, earthy peat and smoke which gives the finish its length.

Rating: 7/10

Conclusion: The name “Monster” belies a certain aggressive potency that neither Arcana nor the standard Peat Monster have. But that’s not a bad thing. Like the standard release, Arcana is a more subtle beast with a range of layers and flavors that make for an interesting whisky that keeps you reaching for this bottle when you want a pour. If you can’t find the Arcana special release, I feel the standard Peat Monster is almost as good and worth a purchase.