Compass Box The Peat Monster

This is really Caol Ila with a little more added to the mix. A far more rounded palate than a couple of the base Islay offerings. Given that it retails from Dan Murphy's for about $25 less than Caol Ila 12 this is truly outstanding value. A far better dram than Laphroaig 10 and a genuine rival to Talisker 10 but usually cheaper.

14th September 2016

Is there peat? Aye. But it really suffers from a lack of depth.

Why anyone would drink this when you can get Islay single malts for the same price is beyond me.

Another style-over-substance effort.

11th September 2016

It tasted how kerosene smells.

22nd July 2016

Has the peatiness of a Talisker and the subtlety of a Speyside. As someone that enjoys both, I will definitely be buying another bottle.

1st June 2016

This was a $16 pour. When the lady poured my drink and it didn't have a caramel color I had questions. The smell was not medicine. The smell was like jet fuel mixed with perfume that your grandmother used to wear. And the taste, even worse! I offered it to several people at my table and a gentleman next to us. Each of them refused after smelling it. That is $16 I wish I had back. I certainly sit back that drink!

14th May 2016

Exactly which glass were you drinking this from? This actually much more complex than Islay single malts at the same price, and to be quite frank, I think your malt bias is shadowing you from actually evaluating this blend for what it is.

25th January 2016

Nice peaty flavor. Fairly smooth. Not like most blends in that the flavor is what you look for in an Islay single malt

19th January 2016

This is far from being the peatiest scotch out there. Laphroaig 10 yr is way peatier, and way more complex. I thought this whiskey lacked complexity: it's all about the peat, and not much else. I'd rather drink other Islay scotchs where the peat actually complements other rich aromas and flavours.

17th January 2016

One of my best, after Ardbeg ten and Octomore6.3. Long finish and nice tingling on the tongue. the guy who says its a Joke Whisky should go back to drink wine.

31st December 2015

It's Peaty, it's crisp but finishes harsh. Add a drop of water and this is a well balanced peat. Great company with a great selection this one is a great buy.

22nd December 2015

Not quite as smooth as Lagavulin 16 and not as smokey as an Uigedail, but it certainly satisfies my peat needs. Add a drop of water and it tones down the harsher finish and makes this a great dram!

22nd December 2015

I'm not very fussy, but I thought this was absolutely disgusting. I had to drink a big glass of Lagavulin to wash the chemical taste away.

20th December 2015

Certainly not as monstrous as even a basic Laphroaig or Ardbeg, never mind something like Laphroaig 10yo cast strength or Port Charlotte heavily peated, but this is a great dram. It's more subtle - smoky rather than full peat-in-your face and a pleasant spiciness in the finish which is l o n g. I sat for ages with it trying to place a distinctive nose/taste - there was a fishiness - but wasn't quite that. Eventually, it came to me - Lapsang Souchong tea - or as my wife used to call it when I drank it "fish tea" That was it exactly!

11th September 2015

Very long finish...I mean 20 minutes long! I love this Scotch, but the name kind of threw me for a bit. There are much peatier Scotches than Peat Monster. Peat monster is rated at 30ppm.. Bowmore is 30ppm, Lagavulin is 35ppm, Laphroaig is 40ppm, Ardbeg is 55ppm. This is a great dram and is one of my favorites, just want to manage everyone's expectations with the level of peat.

26th July 2015

Although a blend with similar intent as Big Peat this is definitely a more phenolic, tangy and medicinal peat beast, as opposed to the smokey damp wood of the big peat. Personally i prefer the big peat, there are bitter burnt rubber notes in the nost, and to a lesser extent, tha palate in the peat monster. Its still a fine blend but the big peat is a more complete experience, even if it hates goodbyes with its short lived Finish.

22nd June 2015

I think it's worth the price, very well balanced whiskey very satisfying!

15th June 2015

Quite a well balanced malt blend! Has that cirtus peat smoke u get in Kilchoman. Reminds me much of Big Peat too. It is sweeter than the mentioned whiskyes. Will definitly be buying another bottle for my whisky stash, this is worth tasting some other time. I wish the peat/smoke was stronger though.

29th May 2015

somehow has a slight fishy taste

28th May 2015

This is not a "blend". It is a blend of sing malts (not single grains). Really not all that peaty...however it has a very long finish that keeps me smiling. The only major fault is that CB named it Peat Monster (when Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Ardbeg- all have offerings that are much peatier). Attractive nose...palate is nice, just not incredibly strong, but wow- the finish is 20 minutes long!!! Underrated due to a misleading name but well worth a try.

9th March 2015

Heavy peat smell that is raw and full of presence. Iodine and heavy salinity but rather light and subtle was consumed which is the opposite of what you are smelling. You expect a loud and embracing impact to hit you hard and then realize its sweet lemonade on a summer day. You don't even need water to bring out its sweetness since there is no smoke. Had to thank the bartender.

11th February 2015

I wish they were all bad reviews, then I'd buy it all for myself!
I bought 6 bottles and have been hoarding it ever since. My wife isn't happy.
5 stars!

1st February 2015

Exceptional

18th January 2015

Being named Craig Peat makes it difficult to judge fairly. All family members disagree from the worst thing I ever tasted to very subtly different and tasty

28th December 2014

If you like smoked salmon you definitely like this one... Well I rather eat it than ^drink it.

cheers

13th December 2014

This is delicious and very balanced. I think its the best blend I have tasted so far. The peat is very strong but not overwhelming. It lets soft floral flavours and sweetness come through. Also I found a kind of beefiness in this. In my opinion peat monster is a winner.

16th August 2014

Forgot to add this!

25th October 2013

Just cracked a bottle of this today, after pondering which peated and sherried whisky to get. This one, to be clear, is not sherried, but the addition of Ardmore, as well as something about the barrels used in maturation make this a fair bit sweeter than most that have not been treated in some kind of wine casks.

I was quite impressed with this, because as it hit my palate I had memories of another fine peated (and actually-sherried !) whisky, namely the Uigeadail. I won't venture to say that this is exactly like the Ardbeg, because I'm sure that would set all the peat-ravers astir, but it is pretty close. I think a large portion of the blend is Caol Ila, which along with the Ardmore, may account for the slightly fruitier, rounded kind of peat taste.

I won't go into the details because I honestly find those to be quite subjective but I would say this: Don't be a malt snob and don't be a peat snob. If you're considering buying this, do so, because it's damn good quality, and only a shade off single malts considerably more expensive.

24th October 2013

Based on the reviews we thought it would be worth a try but we must say that we are not really that impressed.

If you want to have nice peaty whiskies then don't go for this one.

23rd August 2013

A perfect example of the fact that a skilfully blended whisky can have as much to offer as a good single malt. Peaty and smoky as advertised, but with a balancing touch of burnt sugar that makes it both impressively potent and moreish. Equally suitable as an invigorating winter warmer or as the ideal accompaniment to a lazy hot afternoon, with a drop of water to reveal its full and rewarding palate.

23rd July 2013

The Peat Monster didn't blow me away but it's a pleasant bottle for the same price as a 12 year Caol Ila. Much of it IS Caol Ila, by the way. I think it's worth the money. Peat Monster goes great with blue cheese, bison jerky, onions, crackers and "man food" as my girlfriend calls it. I think for a smoky scotch it complements that sort of good quite well and would go with a big juicy steak as well, especially off the barbecue.

5th March 2013

Originally bought at waitrose stores.
NOW never to be seen. I ASK WHY?absolutely SUPPERB

7th April 2010

Tried a bottle of this at my local - theyve got quite a collection of Scotch malts. A bit disappointing that it really isn't that peaty, but nonetheless a good dram, maybe an introduction into peat? Good value though.

6th October 2009