Compass Box Canvas Single Malt Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

Once again Compass Box astound us all with their creativity and intense flavour profiles. Canvas is a beautiful Scotch matured in Vino Naranja, making it truly unique.

Character Building

Compass Box is an independent bottler that seeks to bring out the most extraordinary flavours of whisky. They proudly declare that they are “Whisky makers”, which by their own definition is, “someone who feels compelled to make things better – to ask questions, to challenge, to experiment. A Whisky maker is different from a distiller, and more than a blender.”

High praise indeed. With this definition they give themselves leeway to push boundaries of whisky making and ask a lot of questions about what makes a great dram. This has of course resulted in some truly fascinating whiskies being created.

Included in their repertoire are gems like “This is not a luxury Whisky” (or is it? That’s the real question they’re asking), “Flaming Heart” (peated Islay malt matured in French Oak) and “Orchard House” (a celebration of the fruitiest whiskies in Scotland).

image credit Compass Box

Compass Box Canvas Single Malt Scotch

This is only a glimpse into the wild and wonderful world of Compass Box whiskies. Canvas is another one of their great creations. Rather than simply maturing some whisky in American Oak barrels, Compass Box goes one step further by finishing it for three years in Spanish Vino Naranja casks.

Vino Naranja, or orange wine, is flavoursome and fruity. It imparts some wonderful flavours to the whisky and does not overpower the wonderful sweetness of the oak casks.

Tasting notes for Compass Box Canvas Vino Naranja Finished Single Malt Scotch Whisky

Bottle cost: £99.95

The nose begins with bold notes of citrus fruit, oak wood and orchard notes. It is sweet and rich, with the citrus flavours complementing the oak perfectly.

The palate is full of smooth honey notes, vanilla and caramel. Malted grains, shortcrust pastry and more orange notes abound. There is a warming hint of nutmeg and cardamom.

The finish is bold and sweet, with orange, vanilla and chocolate rounding everything off.

Compass Box have created a fruity, zesty malt that combines the warming notes from the orange wine casks perfectly with the whisky. Canvas is artfully made and another excellent malt from the pros at Compass Box.

Are you a fan of Compass Box and their Creations? What do you think of Canvas? Let us know in the comments!

Tags: CanvasCompass BoxScotch WhiskySingle Malt

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.