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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.

88/100
Detailed Rating Information...

90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.


Whisky Bottle