Compass Box No Name

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 [-]

The nose starts with a mix of toasted marshmallow, waxy sweet citrus and a campfire next to the ocean then tangy barbecue sauce on top of baby back ribs followed by light florals, freeze dried apples, orange starburst and Bosc pears that transitions to cloves, fresh grated ginger and gauze pads with medium ethanol burn. The taste is a medium yet creamy mouthfeel starting slightly bitter with ash and a moderate black pepper spice that slowly fades to a mix of light floral notes, toasted marshmallow and lemon custard then tangy barbecue sauce on top of barbecued shrimp followed by sautéed apples, orange zest and grapefruit that transitions to cloves, fresh grated ginger and gauze pads with medium ethanol burn. The finish is medium length with moderate ashy campfire ashes, creamy citrus fruits and chalky dark cocoa powder. This was an excellent blend by Compass Box greets you on the nose with a wonderful combination of creamy sweets, waxy fruits, barbecued meats and spices that carries over to the palate but unfortunately veers towards a higher spice profile to start that fades back to the flavors on the nose with barbecued seafood and slightly soured fruits that finishes on the ashy side. Side by side with a Talisker 15, the No Name seems thin, youthful and has a higher spice whereas the Talisker comes across as creamier with a better balance. A huge thank you to @jonwilkinson7309 for the generous sample.

Regular peat monster is better. This is more medicinal

Iodine, peat, smoke, brine, and black pepper are accompanied by accents of vanilla, tropical fruit, black cherry and banana. A peat bomb accompanied and accented with sweetness for contrast - absolutely awesome

Nose - strong peat, iodine, smoked meat, menthol, sunscreen, chalk, mint, black pepper, ash, mellow oak, lemon, coconut, old book, tar, leather, apple skin, vanilla, toffee, grass, moderate to high ethanol burn. Taste - iodine, menthol, smoked meat, strong peat, brine, apple, grass, lemon zest, salted caramel, cocoa, anise, rubber, pear, leather, spicy oak, chili pepper, vanilla, high alcohol bite, finishing medium long with menthol, citrus zest, iodine, and chili pepper flavors. This is some powerful stuff. The Ardbeg and Caol Ila footprints are front and center. I can’t find an age statement on the components, but I’m guessing there’s some young stock included, as the peat is potent and acrid. The nose is all menthol, smoked meat, and iodine. The Clynelish makes an appearance in the palate, with that characteristic waxy fruitiness, but it’s very much in the background. This is great whiskey. However, the menthol notes are extremely powerful, making it rather difficult to identify some of the more nuanced aromas and flavors. It’s very reminiscent of having Vicks VapoRub on my chest when I was sick as a child. I know this note comes from the high proof Ardbeg, as I’ve smelled it before, but I wish it were less pronounced here. Nonetheless, it’s hard to complain too much about this. I would always be happy to have a glass. As usual, a big thank you to @jonwilkinson7309 for providing the sample.

Great whisky for peat lovers. Aroma is really powerful of campfire smoke and a bit of iodine. Top of the charts smoky and peaty, it’s really a delight. But, there’s more than just peat, there’s a decent complexity of flavors. There’s some dried fruit (apricot and others), some spice a little reminiscent of the Spice Tree, a bit of citrus tang, and of course lots and lots of peat. Good amount of char and smoke, but the smoke comes through a little more on the nose than the palate.

Ardbeg peat just slightly softened by the blend, but none of the sweetness or raisins of a sherries whisky.