Reviewing the Compass Box Core Whisky Range 2024
While summer 2024 was officially a letdown here in the UK, with temperatures officially being well below average, the world of whisky looked hotter than ever.
Here at Great Drams, we’ve been busier than ever, sourcing all manner of delicious whiskies for you, our amazing customers, to enjoy. Between this however, we’ve been lucky enough to sample plenty of delicious drams from all across the nation.
Of these whiskies, we were especially impressed by those created by Compass Box.
Compass Box was founded back in 2000 by John Glaser, an American entrepreneur who was a former marketing director at Johnnie Walker. Johnnie Walker is one of the most famous blended whiskies in the world, so it should come as no surprise to learn that Compass Box whisky is a company that itself specialises in blended whisky.
The team of hugely talented whisky makers source a wide array of distillates from a number of Scotch whisky distilleries before working their magic and blending the chosen whiskies together further, creating all manner of delicious and award-winning whiskies.
Recently, Compass Box unveiled their latest Core Collection range, and it is this very range I’ll be looking at today.
Compass Box Core Collection Range 2024
On July 29th, 2024, Compass Box unveiled their latest addition to the Core Collection range, (previously known as their blended malts range) in the form of ‘Nectarosity’ and ‘Crimson Casks’. These two whiskies would complete the range, joining the hugely popular Orchard House and The Peat Monster.
The Core Collection, which blended whisky lovers such as myself, absolutely adored, proved to be hugely popular. The two new additions to the range will replace The Story of the Spainard, and The Spice Tree.
Compass Box are known for pushing the envelope and trying bold and exciting flavours and combinations, and their updated Core Collection range is testament to that. But what can you expect from these drams?
Orchard House is one of Compass Box’s most popular whiskies. It is to Compass Box, what the iPhone is to Apple.
Having won gold in 2022 at The Spirts Business awards in the Blended Malt – No Age Statement category, it’s a dram that’s one for the fruit-lovers amongst you.
At 46% ABV, it’s a little stronger than a lot of other blended Scotch whiskies, but don’t let that fool you, this pale straw coloured nectar as is smooth as velvet.
On the nose, expect notes of ripe orchard fruits, just as the name implies. These give way to faint undertones of aromatic spices, tropical fruits, and a hint of smoked oak.
On the palate, there are sweet and tart stewed apple pie and cinnamon notes. These are complimented perfectly by undertones of buttery flaky pastry, shortbread, golden syrup, and a whisper of peat smoke lingering in the background.
The finish, as mentioned, is velvet smooth. Expect sweet vanilla cream and stewed peaches with a sprinkling of sweet oak.
This next dram is one for those of you who enjoy a peated whisky. Created by John Glaser before he stepped down, it is an expert blend of peaty malt whiskies from Islay, combined with a touch of Highland malt to balance everything out.
The end result is a multi-award-winning smoky, peaty, fruity delight that you’ll find virtually impossible to stick with just one glass.
This too is 46% ABV, though you can certainly feel the kick from this one. It’s also one of the palest-coloured whiskies I’ve ever seen. I’ve seen darker gins and vodkas. I have to say, I was a big fan of the colour as it really helped it to stand out.
On the nose the whisky certainly lives up to its name, as you can immediately smell the peat smoke. Sniff again and you should pick up a saline maritime sea breeze not uncommon with whiskies from Islay. There are also sweet and syrupy notes here.
On the palate you won’t be surprised to learn that peat and oak are the dominating flavour profiles that shine through initially. There are also floral and botanical flavours here, tied together with ripe fruits, vanilla, demerara sugar, and crisp smoky bacon. Big fan of this.
The finish is lengthy and far sweeter than anticipated. There is far less peat and oak here and a whole lot more fruit with a touch of rose water. This dram is perfect for sipping.
One of two newest additions to Compass Box’s Core Collection range for summer 2024 is Nectarosity.
Nectarosity is a blended Scotch whisky that encompasses the flavours and aromas that you’d expect to find in a Parisian patisserie.
Greg
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