Compass Box – The Peat Monster Cask Strength (Origin Story) is an exclusive and powerful blended malt whisky, created to celebrate the 20th anniversary of the iconic Peat Monster series. Released in 2023 as a limited edition of only 9,126 bottles worldwide, it is bottled at cask strength of 56.7% ABV. As with all Compass Box whiskies, it is neither chill-filtered nor artificially coloured, preserving its natural intensity and complexity.
The whisky is composed of carefully selected malts, primarily Islay whiskies from Caol Ila and Williamson, which deliver its distinctive smoky profile. These have matured in refill hogsheads, bourbon barrels and puncheons, while a smaller portion of the blend consists of Highland malts from Glen Moray, Balmenach and Tomatin, aged in specially made French oak casks with extra toasting. In addition, about half of the whisky was finished in unique American oak casks crafted by the Independent Stave Company – air-dried for two years, lightly charred and seasoned in Scotland before filling – adding extra layers of vanilla, spice, and richness.
On the nose, it opens with bold, sooty smoke reminiscent of bonfires and charred wood, alongside notes of green apple, citrus, and cinnamon. The palate is deep and full-bodied, offering flavours of tar, smoked almonds, vanilla, seaweed, and a salty maritime edge, balanced by a warming hint of cayenne pepper. The whisky delivers a rich mouthfeel, a long finish, and a complex interplay of coastal character, earthy smoke, and sweet oak-driven nuances. The result is an intense and dramatic smoky whisky that remains elegant and well-balanced.
Visually, the bottle is striking. The labels, created by American artist Mark Burckhardt, come in a variety of designs, depicting surreal scenes of monsters, cityscapes and dreamlike imagery. The artwork reflects the whisky’s intensity and multi-layered character.
In summary, Compass Box The Peat Monster Cask Strength Origin Story is a bold, smoky and exclusive anniversary release made for both collectors and enthusiasts. It combines Compass Box’s innovative cask work with the smoky traditions of Islay, delivering a whisky that is at once robust and sophisticated – a true work of art, both in the bottle and in the glass.
