Scotland
1 Aug 2025
Compass Box Brûlée Royale bottles up the indulgence of Versailles patisserie at 49% ABV, with no chill-filtration and natural colour. Blended by lead whiskymaker Samuel Travers and bottled in August 2025, just 8,556 bottles were released.
The recipe leans heavily on Benrinnes (53.3%, matured in first-fill bourbon barrels) for rich custard and pear notes, balanced with the fruity tarte tatin character of Clynelish (39%, from second-fill new American oak). Speyburn (7.2%, refill American oak hogsheads) adds steamed milk and floral touches, while a mere 0.5% of recharred American oak Ardbeg slips in smoky scorched custard depth.
A lavish spread of crème brûlée, scorched sugar, poached pear, and fresh vanilla pods, with hints of red apple, steamed milk, and candle wax.
Thick and velvety with clotted cream, honeyed malt, and peaches baked in custard. Flavours of Basque cheesecake, tarte tatin, and sugar brittle unfold, layered with raspberry and a subtle coal-smoke edge.
Long and silken, with nutmeg, burnt toffee, banana split, and lingering caramelised sweetness.
