Oscar Wilde wrote that “we live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities”. That was back in the late nineteenth century, an era that inspired Compass Box whisky, which references the Aesthetic Movement giving rise to the Decadent Movement, where more was always more and art was made for its own sake, as the reason it created this luxurious whisky. Which is simply because it could.
Launched in November 2023, this blended Scotch whisky is a composition of the following: 24.1% Glen Moray single malt aged in first-fill oloroso butts; 19.7% Port Dundas single grain matured in refill sherry butts; 17% Balmenach single malt aged in Sauternes casks; 14% Linwood single malt aged in first-fill Palo Cortado butts; 13.6% Balmenach single malt aged in Madeira casks; 11.2% Balmenach single malt matured in Marsala casks; and 2.4% of a blended Scotch whisky parcel, primarily aged in re-charred American oak barrels.
Just 9,496 bottles were filled at 49% ABV, natural colour, and with a light 10-micron filter, not chill-filtered.
Tasting Note by The Producer
Nose Rich and aromatic on the nose with red apples, waxed wood, and wine notes. Creamy, with a liquorice aroma. Banana, toffee, and custard blended with Sauternes.
Palate On the palate, notes of dried fruit – golden raisin, apricot, apple, and plenty of vanilla.
Finish Lingering flavours of dark chocolate and fragrant oak.