Compass Box, Balvenie

Compass Box “The Peat Monster” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

I decided to go for a peaty one this time because I realized I’ve been staying largely in my bourbon safety zone lately.

And because my palate was already a little worn for the evening so I was less afraid of shorting it out.

And, I’ll be honest, this one in particular because friend of mine—sort of half-to-three-quarters joking—warned me away from one of his favorite scotches because he assumed it too peaty for my taste. Which I appreciated. I thought it wise to repay that consideration by not taking my first foray into a mouth full of peat bog via his preferred scotch. I even went for a blend.

You know what?

I… I think I liked it. It was a lot sweeter than I expected. For my tea-drinkers: less smoked, more steeped. It wasn’t just “not repulsive” I actually found myself enjoying it. The bartender tells me Compass Box does lots of “interesting” things (how badly do I want to try their ‘spice tree’ whiskey? so badly) so maybe I shouldn’t gauge whether or not I like peaty whiskies off this but perhaps it’s still a good running start? Maybe?

( Plus two more from Balvenie )