Peated whisky takes many forms, from subtly smoky to intensely medicinal. Secrets of Smoke by Compass Box challenges the idea that peat is only about smoke, blending single malts aged in wine and sherry casks to highlight hidden sweetness. Meanwhile, Kilkerran 8-Year-Old Cask Strength Bourbon Cask represents a bolder Campbeltown style, focusing on pure ex-bourbon maturation for a full-flavoured, high-proof experience. In contrast, Springbank 10-Year-Old offers a balanced introduction to Campbeltown whisky, blending bourbon and sherry cask influence with light peat and coastal character.
Each whisky showcases a different approach to complexity. Secrets of Smoke builds layers of fruit, toffee, and spice over a smoky backbone, drawing on cask finishes from Palo Cortado sherry, Marsala, and red wine. Kilkerran 8-Year-Old Cask Strength leans into bourbon cask influence, delivering notes of lime, honey, and sea salt with a robust, creamy mouthfeel. Springbank 10-Year-Old strikes a middle ground, combining gentle peat smoke with orchard fruits, vanilla, and maritime salinity for a well-rounded, approachable dram.
For whisky lovers, these three expressions offer an excellent comparison. Secrets of Smoke reimagines peated whisky with unexpected sweetness, Kilkerran 8-Year-Old Cask Strength delivers bold bourbon-driven intensity, and Springbank 10-Year-Old showcases a signature Campbeltown profile. Whether exploring smoke, strength, or tradition, these whiskies represent some of the best in their category.
