Compass Box Peat Monster ARCANA

Description

Peat Monster Arcana is a journey for the senses, a complex dance between smoke and unexpected sweetness. Here’s a breakdown of its profile:

Nose

Primary: The initial aroma hits you with a wave of peat smoke, a campfire-like smokiness tinged with hints of tar and iodine. Some reviewers also detect a touch of medicinal herbs, adding a unique complexity.

Secondary: Beneath the smoke, a surprising sweetness emerges. Look for notes of vanilla, honey, and even hints of tropical fruits like mango and papaya. These fruity notes are thought to come from the use of refill hogsheads during maturation.

Tertiary: A subtle hint of oak from the casks may also be present, rounding out the aroma.

Palate

Taste: The smokiness carries over from the nose, but it’s not overpowering. The peat character presents itself as a sweet peat, with a pleasant dryness. Fruity notes, particularly pineapple, come through alongside hints of biscuits for a touch of maltiness.

Mouthfeel: The whisky has a medium body, feeling creamy and slightly oily on the tongue.

Balance: This is where opinions differ. Some reviewers find the balance between smoke and sweetness to be perfect, creating a harmonious interplay. Others find it a bit off-kilter, with the smoke dominating slightly.

Finish

The finish is long and lingering, leaving a trail of smoke and a touch of sweetness on the palate. Some reviewers even detect a hint of crispy bacon in the fade-out, adding an unexpected but interesting element.