Compass Box No Name

This is the peatiest whisky ever from Compass Box.

As often the recipe of the blend is easy to find: around 75% Ardbeg from re-charred barrels, around 11% Caol Ila from refill barrels, 13% Clynelish (re-charred hogsheads) and a very small portion of their typical Highland malt blend which usually involves Dailuaine and Teaninich finished in Compass Box’s special French oak ‘hybrid’ casks. A lot of information actually, it turns out the only thing missing is a name.

Compass Box No Name
(48,9%, OB 2017, 15.000 btl.)

Nose: lovely elegant Islay style. Lots of ashes and hints of antiseptic bandages. Tarry ropes. All very gentle though. Underneath is a mellow fruity layer of peaches, grapefruit juice and lime. Autumn leaves and mossy notes, a little vanilla custard too. The balance is spot on.

Mouth: oily but more firm and slightly sharp now, with salty liquorice, big smoke and wet dogs. Hints of clove and a little oak char. Plenty of grapefruits again (maybe more zesty though). Brine and tobacco notes towards the end.

Finish: long, ashy, with strong Dutch liquorice, citrus zest and dry, leafy notes.

This reminds us of the bespoke Compass Box bottling for the 10th anniversary of The Nectar last year. Perfect pedigree, great whisky. Very good value for money as well, check Master of Malt or TWE for instance.

Score: 89/100