Tastes

Lots of spice notes coming through, including cinnamon, cardamom, clove, and even hotter notes like cumin. Dark chocolate, espresso bean, can also be found on the nose. An interesting background of freshly cute pine and mint are also evident throughout. The heat from the cask strength offering coupled with the lively spice profile is instantly warming. The pine notes are present on the tip of the tongue, with a touch of mint and chocolate malt mingling with the other spice flavors. Finishes bold and long. The spice, including licorice / anise persist longer than the pine and mint notes, with the grip and grit of a 2 year old rye providing rich tannins throughout the finish. To some whiskey critics, the 2- to 3-year old window for rye whiskey gives rise to some of the best rye. The Willett 2 year rye provides a tone of flavor and aromas, in near perfect combination; its bold aromas are matched by a cask strength bottling at 110.8 proof.

Pale hay in color, with sweet notes of honeydew, some toffee/caramel, and beyond that cereal/bakery notes on the nose. Plantain, green apple, and coconut abound. Incredibly light on the palate, a sweet mix of coconut, hazelnut, toffee, amidst a background of vanilla and butterscotch. A confectioner’s delight, multifaceted and complex. The finish lingers, with buttery toffee and vanilla notes outlasting the coconut flavors. For such a light and airy whisky the finish is surprising in both depth and character. Designed to grab the attention of the Scotch whisky world, Hedonism brings grain whisky to the spotlight and does so in a major way. An assemblage of sweet baked goods, melons, and nut flavors, Hedonism draws out the true potential of often-overlooked grain whisky. A true case study in blended grain whisky.

Color: Deep Amber Nose: Hugely aromatic. Stewed dark fruits, plum, black raspberry, cassis, and a wine grape component, no doubt from the many years it spent in sherry casks. Baked black cherry and a lighter citrus note, with a backbone of butterscotch and toffee. Palate: The older age of the component whiskies immediately is evident, with mature oak and barrel smoke, balanced with the dark fruits, and vanilla, with the intensity upped due to the higher ABV. Finish: A grain whisky component is present on the finish, allowing it to finish strong but not overbearing or syrupy, playing well with the oak and fruit notes to the end. Overall: A high price point for a whisky, without a doubt, but an incredibly rich and deep whisky at any price. Glaser again demonstrates the combination of grace and power, of complexity and depth, which can be achieved with thoughtful blending.

I've been a long-time fan of Compass Box, and the Spice Tree is one of my favorites from their staple releases. This release is the Spice Tree turned up to 11. Lots of sherry influence here, dark fruits and baking spices, with an underlying sweetness. The mouthfeel is rich thanks to the whisky's age and lack of chill filtration. Definitely worth a try, and if you're a fan of sherried Scotch, worth a buy.