Tastes

When does a whisky label become art? Inspired by a rock song, Flaming Heart is definitely one of the most iconic Compass Box releases. On the nose, citrus fruits, brine and vegetal peat smoke outshine chamomile, white pepper and beeswax. Lovely Caol Ila signature. Honeyed in the arrival, peat and spices wrestle on the palate, while stewed fruits, walnuts and dark chocolate follow the spectacle. The finish pushes this malt to the next level, as drying oak, tobacco and a dash of salt surrender to honey, lemons and cloves. Exceptional blending at its best! RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

Isn't 'No Name' a name? That would make it an oxymoron, which is pretty clever marketing. The nose of this dram is screaming Ardbeg, as briny and slightly medicinal peat smoke rules over anise, lemon zest and menthol cigarettes. Hints of engine oil, burned rubber and cloves add another layer. Honeyed and peaty in the arrival, the taste evolves with peppercorn, vanilla and citrus fruits, while eucalyptus, salt and lingering ash migrate into the long and satisfactory finish. Pure, raw and without compromise, this Compass Box does indeed require no name. RATING: 4.4/5.0 stars ≙ 90 pts → SUPERB [-]

I didn't get off to a good start with Experimental Grain, featuring peated, column-distilled Loch Lomond. Random notes of raspberry effervescent tablets, pinewood and mossy vegetation reach my nose, interrupted by smoldering wood, herbs and distant honey. On the palate, vanilla, cinnamon and banana compete with emerging peat smoke, fresh mint and bitter oranges. Whipped cream, milk chocolate and tannins mark the drying finish. Like a spy traveling under a false passport, Hedonism's alter ago remains opaque, confusing and weirdly fascinating. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

The concept of Menagerie is 'different species of whiskies brought together', with 42.7% of Mortlach serving as the base. Smoked pineapple, mango and ginger candies form the nose, and I am glad they did not let the Laphroaig out of its cage. Whiffs of smoke, herbal teas and summer meadows emerge. On the palate, exotic fruits, peppery spices and hints of peat mix with eucalyptus, green apples and cloves. Measured oak, lemon and roasted nuts sparkle in the lasting finish. There is a lot to discover in this zoo, given that you can afford the admission fee. RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS

From the flagbearers of quality blends, the Story of the Spaniard is Compass Box's take on whiskies aged in Spanish wine casks. On the nose, orange jaffa cakes, toffee and ginger candies mingle with lemons, cinnamon and hints of leather. It's got depth without complexity, if you know what I mean. Rich, fruity and spicy, the palate continues with strawberries, honey and cloves, highlighting a lovely sweet and sour interplay. Dark chocolate, cherries and gentle spices conclude the herbal and slightly dry aftertaste. A perfect everyday dram, easy and quaffable. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

This expression features custom-made hybrid casks with American oak bodies and French oak heads, hence the name Oak Cross. Vivid, citric and quite fresh, the nose unfolds with peach, honeydew melon and lemongrass. Amaretto, oranges and hints of oak appear. On the palate, vanilla, walnuts and peppery spices are overshadowed by dry wood and menthol. The Clynelish is sitting firmly in the driver's seat. Crisp, semidry and spicy, the medium finish lingers with apples, nutmeg and hints of green tea. Not my favorite Compass Box, but still very decent. RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE

Almost reminiscent of Tolkien's Watcher in the Water, Peat Monster is not for the faint of heart. Fueled by a blend of Caol Ila and Laphroaig, the nose unleashes bonfire-medicinal hybrid smoke, iodine and white pepper. Seaweed, grapefruit and a touch of mead are covered in ash. After a fearless, sweet and spicy attack, the palate marches on with raw peatiness, creamy citrus fruits and anise. Slightly dry towards the end, the finish emphasizes eucalyptus, smoked ham and hints of brine. A whisky with fire and depth, this creature takes no prisoners! RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS

Replacing the 2021 discontinued Oak Cross, Orchard House is the latest addition to the Compass Box core range. Ripe fruits are the main theme, and the nose delivers what the label promised: apples, pears and vanilla, mixed with peaches, biscuits and honey. More of the same on the palate, before it turns spicy and slightly dry in the development, enriched by unripe banana, pineapple and ginger. Lemon zest, grapefruit and herbal notes subside in the medium finish, and I can even hear the Caol Ila whispering. A rock-solid sipper for long summer evenings. RATING: 3.7/5.0 stars ≙ 85 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE [+]

Lured by its craft presentation, this Fettercairn was an imprudent impulse buy which I started to regret when I checked reviews afterwards. Whiffs of pinewood, pears and mango emerge from the glass, followed by mushrooms, hay and olive oil. Unusual, subtle and inviting. On the palate, citrus fruits, black pepper and a touch of stout are pushed to the side by walnuts, melon and distant honey. Rosemary, lemon zest and pronounced sherry notes characterize the long and solid finish. Lesson learned, right to an opinion does not make the opinion right. RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]

Glenmorangie was the undisputed pioneer of wood finishing, and their Port-matured Quinta Ruban is arguably the cream of the crop. On the nose, lovely notes of raspberry jam, marzipan and cinnamon rolls intermingle with vanilla cream, honey and hints of sage. Light and complex, the palate unfolds with mixed berries, dark chocolate and peppery wood spices, interrupted by pineapple, mint and a touch of vinegar. Lingering oak, dried fruits and nutmeg remain in the medium finish. A genuinely interesting malt, well-made and good value for money! RATING: 3.9/5.0 stars ≙ 86 pts → FIRST-CLASS [-]