Compass Box Delilah's XXV

Probably a 3.5. Tasty. Very Sherry forward, keeping a berry flavor throughout. Amazingly calm across the palate. No challenge, but not boring, either. Reminds a bit of cherry sno-cone.

Superb complexity, harmonious blending of the sherried components. One of the standouts of the Whisky Show London 2018, despite the competition.

This celebratory anniversary blend is self-referential in a unique way. It features a substantial portion of whiskey that Compass Box bottled for Delilah's 20th anniversary, further aged in a refill hogshead. Add to that a ton of sherry-aged single malts from around Scotland, and a touch of light grain whisky, and we have this bottle. It's surprisingly affordable at about $100 a bottle and available at a few liquor stores around the country, if you can't make it to Chicago to try it at the bar it honors. This whisky is what Macallan 18 wishes it was, a rich, complex, sherried dram that is worthy of contemplation and appreciation. Expect to encounter some of these flavors along the way: strawberries, baking spices, cherries, caramel, honey, apple cider, pepper, cocoa nibs, and fruit-based desserts. I'll cop to some bias against sherried whiskies, but this might be the best that I've encountered.

A typical speyside, nothing super super incredible, but very far from bad. Reminds me a lot of Glenlivet 18 in terms of tasting notes which in general is cheaper so I will stick to it. Won't buy another bottle, but definitely not upset with the purchase or would shy away from letting others try it.

A nice sherried dram with oak spice on the backend. A solid whisky. No surprises.

Compass box has yet to disappoint me. Sweet, but more of powder sugar than red fruits though they are definitely still present. Spice vamps up in the finish and dies quickly leaving a medium sherry finish