The Circle is a series of whiskies by Compass Box, in collaboration with international bartenders. Mannie Monaghan co-created The Circle No.2, and he took inspiration from his synaesthesia. He wanted his whisky to evoke the colour of coral.
The whisky combines malt and grain whiskies from a variety of casks, including sherry butts, refill hogsheads and refill puncheons. Half of the recipe relies on Glen Elgin single malt, with Speyburn, Teaninich and others in a secondary role. You can download the full details from the Compass Box website.
Compass Box The Circle No.2 (46%, OB 2022, 3113 btl.)
Nose: I’m not synaesthetic but yes, this could be coral. Mostly because there are plenty of peaches, which have a colour similar to coral. Then I’m getting pineapple cubes, oranges, honey and hints of vanilla custard. Gooseberries and hints of raisins in a panettone. Subtle wax in the distance. Rounded and rather feminine.
Mouth: very consistent with the nose. Lots of pineapple notes, with cooked yellow apples and pears and creamy vanilla. Golden raisins. Then there’s a slightly rougher / younger side now, with plain malt, toasted wood and sweet peppery notes.
Finish: medium long, honeyed and malty, with hints of milk chocolate.
This profile relies heavily on Glen Elgin, which is often fruity and rounded, something that resembled the colour coral indeed. Other (tiny) notes add complexity, making this an enjoyable composition. Available from The Whisky Exchange for instance. I found a sample at Whiskysite.nl.