An intensely smoky initial bouquet which then becomes creamy, concentrated, citrusy, mash-like, and very malty. At palate entry heavily smoked flavors of charred barley and kippers appear; at midpalate the taste profile turns sweet, bonfire-like, and strikingly like smoky green tea and honey. Ends sweet, moderately smoky, ash-like, and even caramel-like. An elegant malt despite its moniker.

The much-beloved Peat Monster was recently given a new recipe designed to create greater depth and elegance. The peat influence, while still omnipresent, is now more subtle. On the nose its gentle and fragrant, wafting over candied citrus, lemon-frosted cake, and raspberry, along with classic peated undertones of charcoal and iodine. The palate is creamy in texture, with pleasant notes of brine, seashells, ashiness, and a floral peat influence that swirls gently around rich vanilla, tropical hints of lime, smoked meats, and generous spice. The finish offers bitter chocolate, lemon hard candy, and a bang of spice and smoke. Number 9 in the 2020 Top 20