Grew on me.
I love Compass Box's blends. I have owned several over the years and rarely regret the purchase. One of my favorites is the Spice Tree, even when it was "breaking the rules". Usually I find that I can drive right into a Compass Box blend and enjoy it. Oops.
I dove in too fast. My nose tingled, I was tantalized, without over thinking it I was hit with a scent of apricot and pine resin, plus a load of sweet. I was ready for it, my mouth watered for it, I sipped... ouch. I sipped again... uhoh. Man, are my taste buds off, is something wrong with me, or am I just being super critical. I waited, I sniffed again, nose was still there, solid, enjoyable, playful, but starting to turn waxy. I sip again. Boom, still bitter, burnt, cloyingly sweet of overcooked sweets, tasting like the bitter white pith of citrus. Maybe it just needs a little water. I add a few drops, now it is just watered down bitter. I throw in an ice cube. Now it is just sweet. I give up. I put it aside, I simply cannot drink it.
An hour passes, I pick it up, maybe I am in a better mood. I taste smell again, nose is the same, bit more diluted maybe. I pick it up, the bitter is mostly gone or I am used to it. I sip and the delicious, round, velvet plays on my tongue with spices and raisins. It lingers after with cinnamon, allspice, and mace. Nicely finished.
Final decision: I like it, but have to let it open up before drinking. It is at the right price point, but it is not a blend that I would want to drink every day.
Final Note: I am doing the 2015 advent calendar. As a result, I get one drink at it to decide if I like it enough to buy more. Sometimes I need to drink something three or four times to make up my mind. Thus, my rating is based on a one-time drink experience.
Jay Gairson Dec 4, 2015
Surprising
I was apprehensive at first.
"Blended Whisky" conjuring up mental 'images' of cheap whisky that tastes more of Cigarette Ash and Disappointment than a Smooth Enjoyable Drinking Experience.
I am glad to say I was wrong.
This Blended Whisky surprises with it's light colour, and smooth finish. A beacon of quality in the smoke filled mire of other Blends
Beadley Morgan Dec 3, 2015
Gorgeous
I just got hold of a bottle this week and it's already a firm favourite. Sweet and smooth but with enough complexity, creamy and buttery in the mouth and a lovely lingering finish. Dangerously good!
Master of Malt Customer Jun 11, 2014
