With Nectarosity we already reviewed one of the new core range expressions from Compass Box. Now we’re focusing on Crimson Casks.
This is a sherry-forward blended malt. In a way it replaces both The Spice Tree and The Story of the Spaniard. The American oak sherry seasoned butts are sourced from José and Miguel Martín, but some red wine barrels are added as well. Glen Moray, Teaninich and an undisclosed distillery near the town of Aberlour are part of this composition.
Compass Box Crimson Casks (46%, OB 2024)
Nose: ripe plums and damsons with chocolate brownie, hazelnuts and sweet praline. Also wood spice like clove and cardamom. Maybe not a sherry bomb, but definitely sherried. Then sultanas and wine poached apples. Hints of cherry pie and whiffs of potpourri as well. Solidly blended together.
Mouth: sweet and spicy again. Raisins and red apples, plenty of toffee and caramel notes, cinnamon pastry and a hint of burnt vanilla pastry. Big malty notes and black pepper. This leads to nutmeg, mocha, chocolate coated nuts and a slight bitterness in the end. Hints of drying tobacco leaves as well.
Finish: medium length, with more caramel, toasted oak, blackcurrant jam and Nutella.
Almost what you’d get from a modern Macallan, at a fraction of the price. Not the brightest style of sherry cask, but reasonably rich. Decent value for money. Available from The Whisky Exchange or Royal Mile Whiskies, among others.