Compass Box Orangerie

Neat: Go find a nice ripe, firm, bright colored orange and (without peeling it) take a big ol' bite, as if 'twere an apple. Over Ice: practically disappears into the ether of boringness. If this were any lighter it would be a gas. Bottom line: While not revolting, it's simply not a scotch whisky experience. Even my wife enjoys it (Irrefutable proof). P.S. props to the indomitable Pranay for the bottle!

Compass Box Orangerie, a blended scotch whiskey from Compass Box blenders. Price: $40.00. Sampled 6/10/16 with 1/2 teaspoon of water in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma - HEAVY orange, vanilla cream, butter and cake frosting. Taste - Orange liqueur and allspice. Finishes with a quickly fading burn and medium-length lingering flavor. Final score: 1/ 5. This to me is not whiskey. The sweet orange is so overpowering in this that the whiskey flavors take a back seat and come across more like cognac. Tastes more like a high quality orange liqueur with cognac mixed in, AKA Grand Mariner. I have literally moved this from my whiskey cabinet to the bar to be used in drinks that call for Grand Mariner, I kid you not. Save your money here, I know Compass Box typically does no wrong and this seems so interesting but I assure you if you're looking for a whiskey experience, you will be sorely disappointed.

I love whisky. I love oranges. What if they have a whisky that taste like subtle oranges??!!?! Yeah, sign me up, and here's my $50. Not so fast hombre. I love popcorn and I love pizza. But popcorn on pizza may not be the ideal marriage. I really admire John Glaser and Compass Box for their experiments, and most are amazing. This one...not so. The nose is like sitting in an orange juice factory. Can't hate that. I can smell this for breakfast. (Now if Compass Box can work on whisky that taste like eggs and bacon, here's another $50!!). Palette really is like biting into an orange tictac. Sweet, orange-y. What did I expect? And finish---fast and....guess what? Orange-y!!! Really unique. Worthwhile to,try, but not sure it's a must buy situation, unless you really (and I mean REALLY ) love oranges. Ironically, right after I purchased this, I suddenly recalled I had a dram of Amrut Naarangie (which means Oranges in Hindi) at Heathrow. I think that was much better, more subtle. Less like you took a shower with oranges and more like you took a whiff of oranges while having a drink. Meanwhile Mr. Glaser...if you can conjure up that eggs and bacon whisky...