compass box peat monster arcana

Peat Monster Arcana is an extension of the regular Peat Monster. It is built on an experiment. We refilled three of our custom French oak casks with a high strength version of The Peat Monster: what flavours would arise from using our hybrid casks a second time? Also, having never exposed peaty whisky to French oak, we were curious to see how the character might develop. Two little mysteries in one trial. Ten percent of Peat Monster Arcana is this richly spicy, more subtly smoky version of The Peat Monster. Malt whisky from the Talisker Distillery makes up the majority with notes of wax, green fruit and log fire embers. Malt whisky from the Ardbeg Distillery boosts the tarry and chocolatey smoke profile, perfectly extending the rich toasty notes of the French oak. A little of our Highland Malt Blend, matured in new, heavily toasted French oak, and some sweet and citrusy malt whisky from the Miltonduff Distillery, complete the recipe. Creamy / Fruity & Chocolatey / Toasty Spice / Subtle smokiness. Rich aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and boat tar give way to impressions of salty sea air and seaweed. Notes of seaweed and ripe apples arrive on the palate with a pronounced waxy texture. The peatiness - dry and deep in character - steadily builds. Served neat, the interplay of spice and dry peat is at its most intense. The addition of water teases out greater oak sweetness and orchard fruitiness while mixing it in a highball will emphasise its waxy texture. A whisky that rewards repeat investigation.