Compass Box Whisky Review

With so many upmarket whisky manufacturers currently in operation across the UK, there is no better time than right now to be a Scotch whisky lover.

Now, we know all too well that Scotch can be an acquired taste and for those of you who are looking for a Scotch without as much burn as other Scotch whiskies, might we be so bold as to suggest a blend?

Blended Scotch gives you a combination of single malt and grain whiskies, making them a little less harsh on your palate. If you love a blended Scotch, Compass Box are the folks for you.

Founded in 2000, Compass Box are producers, bottlers, and marketers of a selection of blended Scotch whiskies, with their ‘Signature Range’ in particular, proving to be a best-seller. Here’s a look at some of their finest blends.

Compass Box ‘Artist Blend’

A whisky inspired by Edinburgh and made very much with creatives in mind, we have Compass Box ‘Artist Blend’.

This non-chill filtered dram is a mellow 43% and has a stunning light golden hue. It is made from a blend of lowland grade whiskies matured in ex-bourbon casks and has a rich and creamy texture that can be enjoyed neat, or as part of a delicious cocktail.

On the nose you get notes of creamy porridge oats, buttery biscuits, vanilla, and apple crumble.

On the palate you get a smooth and creamy whisky with hints of more vanilla, roasted pineapple, citrus fruits, winter spices, almonds, and apricot jam.

The finish is sweet and rich, with notes of Scottish shortbread, sticky apricots, and winter spices which linger.

Compass Box ‘Glasgow Blend’

Another very popular whisky from Compass Box is ‘The Great King Street Glasgow Blend’.

Again, 43% ABV and non-chill filtered, this whisky is a little darker, offering bronze and amber hues that come from the Oloroso Sherry butts that the malt whisky has been matured in.

Upon that first sniff you will immediately detect peaty smokiness with hints of red grapes and dates.

On the palate you should detect sticky toffee pudding, jammy figs, toasted oak, cinnamon, Christmas pudding, and a touch of vanilla.

The finish is smooth, with a touch of winter berries and spices, complimented by wood smoke and bonfire toffee.

Compass Box ‘The Story of the Spaniard’

The name of this whisky is a reference to the founder of the company’s chance meeting with a Spanish man while overseas. The Spaniard introduced him to sherry for the first time, so it should come as no surprise to learn that this Scotch is very much a sherry-inspired dram.

It is of course non-chill filtered, is 43% ABV, and has an amazingly deep golden bronze colour from the ex-sherry and red wine casks that the whisky has been aged in. If you love a smooth and rich, well-sherried dram, this is the blend for you.

On the nose you get toasted almonds, vanilla, blood orange, and hints of malt lurking in the background.

On the palate you should immediately pick up madeira cake, almonds, cookies, and juicy raisins.

The finish is long and medium-dry, with notes of cherry giving way to cinnamon and nutmeg.

Compass Box ‘The Peat Monster’

Finally, last but certainly not least, we have ‘The Peat Monster’.

This is, not surprisingly, a peaty blend which was created by the renowned John Glaser.

Featuring a very fun new label made by artist Mark Burckhardt that looks like something out of a Rick and Morty episode, this blend packs a bit more of a punch, coming in at 46% ABV.

This non-chill filtered dram is a pale-yellow colour and is very much the Marmite of the whisky world, in that you’ll either love the bold coastal flavours, or you won’t be a fan.

On the nose, you of course instantly get peak, accompanied by candied fruits, malted grains, and a touch of peppermint and sea salt.

On the palate, the unmistakable peaty oak smokiness instantly shines through, accompanied by smoky bacon, sweet apples, mangoes and tropical fruits, and floral notes.

The finish offers a lingering sweetness with a touch of woodsmoke, rose water, and yep, you guessed it, more peat.

For all of the latest whisky news, or to add more whisky to your ever-growing collection, be sure to head on over to https://greatdrams.com/ and check out the huge array of award-winning and limited-edition whiskies they have available.

Tags: Artist BlendCompass Box WhiskyGlasgow BlendThe Story of the Spaniard

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.