“The more information we can share with our customers about the Scotch whisky we produce, the better” says Compass Box in the Transparency Campaign which was launched after their debacle with the disclosure of the age of the whiskies used in Flaming Heart.
In response to the absurd regulations, they found inspiration in the writers, philosophers and scientists of the Age of Enlightenment, and decided to call their latest release Compass Box Enlightenment.
It’s a blended malt with the following recipe:
- 48% young Clynelish from first-fill American oak barrels
- 37% middle-aged Glentauchers from first-fill American oak barrels
- 11% middle-aged Balblair from first-fill American oak barrels
- 4% middle-aged Mortlach from rejuvenated American oak barrels
Compass Box Enlightenment (46%, Compass Box 2016, 5922 btl.)
Compass Box Enlightenment (46%, Compass Box 2016, 5922 btl.)Nose: fresh and bright. A lot of citrus notes, green apples and some flowery notes (jasmin green tea). Light vanilla custard notes. Lots of pear. Honeysuckle. Also a lightly mineral / waxy touch. Light and nice.
Mouth: rather full-bodied but also quite tight, focusing on lemon drops and tinned pineapple, gooseberries, green apple (peel) again, a gentle waxiness and a light touch of salt. Sweet ginger and white pepper. Some green tea again.
Finish: medium long, similar citrus notes, with just a light caramelized edge as well as a peppery prickle.
A lively, fresh composition, with a late 1990s-like Clynelish profile at its core. We can’t be against that. Around € 70 which is a really fair price.
Score: 86/100