Compass Box KWM 25th Anniversary Blended Scotch
45% ABV - Blended, Scotland
Nose: Fruity notes come fast – light, mostly red – and there is the whiff of smoke that blankets it all. Butterscotch, hints of florals, anise, and spices.
Taste: It’s a smokehouse, but not overly peated. Fruits again – some are bitter, and perhaps it’s the influence of a sulphurous flavour? Wood spices and cereal help form the body.
Finish: The sooty peat denotes the finish and it slowly lifts to reveal ginger, lemongrass, and Ranier cherry.
I eagerly bought this bottle of whisky after the fine folks at Kensington Wine Market let me sample it ahead of time! This blended scotch whisky has one thing that I don’t normally find of my shelf: grain! Yes, indeed, it is a blend of single malt and single grain whiskies. Bottled by Compass Box, you know that it’s possible, if not expected, to learn the recipe of the blend. Considering that this is a bespoke bottling, it’s great to still be able to find that information: Clynelish, Caol Ila, Dailuaine, Teaninich, Cambus, and Cameronbridge (Whew!); aged in first-fill American Oak, Sherry Butt, and new French Oak. Not sure the percentages or age, but rumour says the malt is anywhere up to 10-20 years old and the grain 15-30 years old. A decadent dram, but I found addition of water drowned out flavour too quickly. That’s no matter since its 45%ABV is quite approachable. Oh, and one thing that I can really appreciate about a bottle of whisky is a very nice squeaky cork each and every time you open the bottle.. This one has got it! Great whisky to share with a range of people. I think there is something for everyone in it.
Tasted October 04 2018.
