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Whisky Review: Peat Monster, Tenth Anniversary Limited Edition

Compass Box's Peat Monster Tenth Anniversary Limited Edition is a peated blended Scotch from one of the U.K.'s newest - and hippest - blenders

OVERALL RATING

$50.00
  • Kirk Sig is a whisky connoisseur known for his candid and investigative approach to whisky reviews.
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Compass Box Peat Monster

Tasting Notes

About:

48.9% ABV, non chill filtered, natural color, wide ranging price in the USA from $50-100 depending upon where you buy.
Appearance:
White wine
Nose:
Whisps of smoke, along with mellow peaty goodness; creme brulee; some ashes; wet tweed; smoked herring; pine needles, along with a hint of lively oak.
Palate:
A workout for the mouth, from the roof all the way down to the back of the tongue: “Release the kraken!” This is where John’s blend comes into its own by perking up one’s taste buds with multiple kinds of peat at once. There is also a subtle maritime note deep in the blend, lying in wait. It’s obvious that some of the whisky was aged at the sea shore.

I notice a heightened wave of flavors once this tempest-tossed broth has time to rest a spell in my glass. Now, there comes a welcome hint of sooty ash, sharper peat smoke than is apparent on the nose, and some lemon zest. I’m also picking up Blue Castello cheese, Salish alderwood smoked salt, and a malty side to the blend that reminds me of Jewish marble rye.

The addition of water accents this blend’s younger side, bringing out a tequila note. I’m reminded of Fortaleza’s stone ground agave hearts in the nose. On the palate, there is a creamier mouth feel now with a touch of vanilla bean ; however, some of the complexity withdraws, leaving fewer tentacles to grab one’s taste buds.
Finish:
Ashes on the sides of the tongue, oak on the tip, and well-rounded peat washing down one’s throat. A slightly bitter oakiness surfaces at the death, along with curls of smoke that smolder, like the remnants of a fire on the beach.
Comments:
I can remember being wowed by The Peat Monster Tenth Anniverary at Portland Whiskeyfest a few years ago, where I volunteered as a bartender. Today, I’m not feeling the same degree of warm fuzzies, but I must say the glass is a lot of fun to ponder.

As always, John Glaser has put together a really intriguing blend that is presented in a classy bottle and box. Yes, it’s true that the whisky comes up short when compared to the limited edition Flaming Heart 15th Edition. Still, I don’t regret my purchase.

Pssssst, speaking of which . . . if you are smart about where you buy, you can pick up The Peat Monster Tenth Anniversary these days for almost half the price of a Flaming Heart 15th Edition. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, there’s a store online currently selling bottles for a mere fifty clams. Even with shipping, that’s a “phenol-menal” bargain!

Ouch. Did I really close my article with an insider’s Scotch whisky pun? Yes, by kraky, I believe I did.

Final Score: 86/100

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Whisky Kirk

Kirk Sig's fascination with Scottish whisky ignited in 1987 during a visit to Edinburgh. In the ensuing three and a half decades, he has cultivated an extensive understanding of distilleries, the whisky industry, and the global whisky landscape.

Kirk prides himself on providing candid and unvarnished reviews, eschewing the prevalent flattery and fluff that often permeate whisky commentary. This direct approach has occasionally ruffled feathers in influential circles, which he views as a testament to his commitment to prioritize the interests of the consumer.

Embracing the spirit of investigative journalism, Kirk's reviews delve deeper, leaving no stone—or cask—unturned. He believes in transparency and ensures that readers are privy to any noteworthy findings, fostering an informed and empowered whisky community.

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