Review: Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana and Menagerie

Compass Field, as Chris already noticed in his overview last fall, appears to all the time be including new spirits whereas additionally revamping their previous ones, usually for particular releases and the like. Living proof: Peat Monster Arcana which hit cabinets late in 2020 and Menagerie, which arrived not lengthy after in early 2021. At all times in comparatively restricted provide, these whiskies are generally difficult for us to get our palms on, so apologies for the tardy opinions. Higher late than by no means, individuals!

Compass Field Peat Monster Arcana – At all times exceedingly clear, the great people at Compass Field inform us that this one is constituted of a small lot of ordinary Peat Monster (9.4%) which was aged for greater than two years in a customized, heavy toast French oak barrel. At over 71%, the biggest element on this mix comes from Talisker, with Miltonduff and Ardbeg rounding out the rest. The aroma is generously candy with candied orchard fruits and vanilla fudge. It’s much less savory and smoky than commonplace Peat Monster, with solely a little bit of candied bacon and comfortable pipe smoke lurking beneath. On the palate, issues are well-built however nonetheless on the sweeter aspect with notes of uncooked honey, tinned pears, and ginger snaps. A contact of graphite and a kiss of salty smoke rein in some, however not all, of the sugary components, whereas the end lingers with vivid citrus, saltwater taffy, and a little bit of cigar ash. An pleasant dram, to make sure, however I’m left wanting extra peat on this monster. 92 proof. B+ / $100 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Compass Field Menagerie – The title primarily means zoo, however Compass Field assures us that there’s concord on this bottle, which is comprised of parcels from Mortlach, Deanston, Laphroaig, Glen Elgin, and their very own Highland Malt mix. The aroma is characteristically gentle with a straightforward, malt-forward sweetness accented with yellow peaches in syrup, candied ginger, and a refined, peppery barbecue smoke. The palate is a bit more strong, however nonetheless showcases a usually comfortable, sweeter high quality with an oily, rounded physique and notes of heather honey, custard, and extra stone fruit. A lacing of dry smoke, extra tarry than campfire, builds right into a warming, mildly spiced end. 92 proof. A- / $120 [BUY IT NOW FROM DRIZLY]

Compass Field Menagerie

$120

Score

9.0/10

About Publish Creator

Drew Beard

Drew Beard is Assistant Editor and Social Media Supervisor for Drinkhacker. He has studied and written about beer, whisk(e)y, and different spirits since he first began ingesting them, incomes a number of booze-related advantage badges alongside the way in which, together with Licensed Specialist in Spirits and Govt Bourbon Steward. Along with his work with Drinkhacker, Drew can be Spirits Editor for Santé Journal. A recovering Federal authorities worker, he’s joyful to have lastly discovered a profession the place it’s acceptable to drink on the job.

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