Compass Box has unveiled Peat Monster Arcana Whisky. The new offering from the independent Scotch bottler takes its core peated Whisky and turns it into a French oak influenced expression.
Compass Box Peat Monster Arcana is a cask strength version of Peat Monster that has been matured in three French oak custom casks for over two years. The blend is made with malt Whiskeys from Talisker, Miltonduff, and Ardbeg Distilleries.
Initially, the distillery intended to add part of a cask of its French oak-finished Highland Malt Blend Whisky to the Arcana. Unfortunately, that component was not included in the final bottling, which was only noticed after the whisky was bottled and shipped. Therefore, the recipe as published on the back label for Peat Monster Arcana is incorrect.
“We have been experimenting with French oak since the early days of our company,” said Compass Box Founder and Whiskymaker John Glaser in a prepared statement. “Peat Monster Arcana is the first Compass Box to feature smoky whiskies matured in French oak. We’re delighted to be able to build on this experiment in our 20th anniversary year and we hope dedicated fans of The Peat Monster discover a new side to this charismatic whisky.”
The whisky offers aromas of chocolate, cinnamon and boat tar on the nose, while the palate is fruity and compellingly waxy. And a dry smoky presence steadily builds throughout. The distillery notes that the Arcana rewards experimentation and suggests exploring how the addition of water or soda reveals new textures. Its sweet smokiness also pairs well with creamy blue cheeses.
Bottled at 46% ABV, only 8,328 bottles of the Whisky will be released globally for the price of $95 per 750ml bottle.
This year, Compass Box is celebrating its 20th anniversary and are celebrating with the release of Hedonism Felicitas Whisky. The limited edition Scotch blends together three grain whiskies, each distilled in a different decade, and is one of our 25 limited-edition Scotch Whiskies we recommend trying in 2020.