Compass Box The Lost Blend

Rich and smoky with an otherwise clean profile. An interesting experiment and definitely worth a place on the shelf.

Tonight's tasting party was filled with lots of whisk(e)y I have already tasted (not complaining), but I need something new to "put me to bed, proper." A perfect time for a Compass Box offering. The Lost Blend. This blend comes in at 92 proof and a hefty $100+ price tag. According to the bottle there were only 12018 bottles filled so subtract 1 and join me by praying for a sequel. So, let's do this: this bad boy is almost transparent in the glass. Lighter than light. Talk about not showing your hand before the river card. Cue up ZZ Top's "Legs" video BEFORE you give this one a swirl. Legs. For. Days. On the nose, well, where do I start? Candle wax times 2, citrus zest and fresh, vibrant oak barrel, and muddled mint. If you take a deep breath- it burns so good. On the tongue it explodes with a wonderful sweet honey and orchard fruit blast that, while dry, melds into a heavy barrel finish. Peppery oak and vanilla on the tail end mark one of the most fulfilling and balanced finishes I've ever had in any scotch (blended or single malt). Compass Box does it again. Whenever I doubt the authenticity of blended scotches all I need to do is reach for these guys. If you see a Compass Box on the shelf near you- grab it, ignore the price tag and buy it. John Glaser knows his stuff. You will not be disappointed. Buy with confidence. Cheers, and goodnight, my friends.

Manages to combine the light and dark sides of whisky seamlessly. Aromas and tastes run the gamut from gorgeous fruit, creamy malt, fluffy vanilla, and handsome peat smoke. One of my favorite blends from Compass Box.

A nose of summer fields and jasmine. Lemons and peat on the palette. Dry tannic finish with a slightly bitter aftertaste. Somewhere between Great King St and Peat Monster, without the greatness of either. (Drinks by the Dram sample; June 5, 2016)