Origin: Scotland
Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Gradation: 46%ABV
Ageing casks: Ex-Bourbon Hogshead Refill and Recharred, ex-Sherry Butt First Fill and Refill
Chillfiltered: No
Added coloring: No
Owner: Compass Box Whisky Co.
Average price: € 124.00
Official website: www.compassboxwhisky.com
Vote: 86/100
As is often the case, Compass Box (and its mastermind, John Glaser) creates special bottlings for shops, clubs and distributors: a sign of recognition (and appreciation) for colleagues or enthusiasts.
In the early 2000s, this blended was first made exclusively for the Juveniles Bistrot à Vin in Paris, a well-known shop of rare and fine wines with kitchen in the French capital, using whiskies from Clynelish, Longmorn and Ord.
The blend later becomes part of the Compass Box portfolio, in a limited edition and with a slightly different recipe.
In the 2018 version (in 14,894 bottles) we find 2% Glendullan (from Sherry Butt First Fill), 30% Clynelish (10% Sherry Butt Refill, 20% Hogshead Recharred), 34% Balmenach (Hogshead Refill) and 34% Strathmill (Hogshead Refill), a composition declared with the usual transparency by Glaser and co.
Tasting notes
Light gold with copper highlights in the glass.
The nose is very fragrant with lots of pear, honey, almonds, honeysuckle, vanilla, sugar paste. Herbaceous background profile of freshly cut grass with waxy touches. Despite not being the pre-eminent distillery, Clynelish seems to have had a lot of influence on the blended, which is very fresh and intense.
Oily on the palate, where it continues along the fruity line with a tantalising peppery edge: vanilla, pears, plums, ginger biscuits, honey, lemon zest, almonds. Touch of rhubarb and chinotto on the length.
Finish not very long and slightly spicy with vanilla, green apple, almonds, wax.
So fresh and drinkable that it seems like a cocktail, but anything but light, with that apparent idea of simplicity that only comes with great experience. Certainly not for those seeking strong emotions, but a solid and effective whisky.
Reviews of Compass Box whisky in the blog:
Compass Box The Peat Monster
Compass Box The Spice Tree
Compass Box The Story of the Spaniard
Other perspectives:
Whisky Gospel