Compass Box Double Single was supposedly the ‘world’s simplest’ blended Scotch. There are just two elements: 72% Glen Elgin single malt (19 years old) matured in re-charred ex-bourbon hogsheads and 28% Girvan single grain whisky (slightly older) from re-charred bourbon barrels.
This is the third release of Double Single since the first version came out in 2003. It was the NAS blend of 2018 for Jim Murray.
Compass Box Double Single (46%, Compass Box 2017, 3rd edition, 5838 btl.)
Compass Box Double Single (46%, Compass Box 2017, 3rd edition, 5838 btl.)Nose: practically a single malt nose, with plenty of bright fruits. Green apples, unripe pears, green banana and hints of kiwi. Orange juice. Subtle minty notes. Warmer vanilla and cinnamon pastry underneath as well as a gentle woody kick.
Mouth: creamy attack, with the same brightness of Granny Smith apples and kiwi. Banana again. Honeyed biscuits. A second wave is more on vanilla and light caramel toffee. Gentle clove, nutmeg and eucalyptus, as well as a grassy / woody edge.
Finish: medium long, the fruits fade away and make room for more spices and vanilla.
A very flavoursome blend from Compass Box (again). It’s one where both components merge entirely and the generally rougher sides of grain whisky seem to disappear. Well done, but slightly expensive compared to a single malt Glen Elgin of this age. A few bottles left at Master of Malt.
Score: 86/100