Compass Box The Story of the Spaniard

Pear and citrus with slight spice

This is the 10th and most recent expression from CB in my cabinet and I have yet to find one that isn’t tasty. The nose is all fruit, starting with pear and ripe green grapes, and then becoming syrupy sweet fruit cocktail, like pouring a Del Monte fruit cup in the glass. If you keep digging you will find some malt behind all that jammy syrup. The front is kind of like a grain Irish with lots of fruit minus the metallic notes, but the middle and back is reminiscent of a single malt Pot. Palate is quite velvety, with loads of honey and vanilla cream. Give it a moment in the mouth and you can coax out some damp, earthy vegetal flavours which are dusted ever so slightly by pepper and oak. There isn’t enough oil or proof here to just sip and enjoy.. it’s gone too quick. This is one of those drams you need to swish around enough to make Richard Paterson proud. Finish is pretty light and not much to note, just a little cereal and char, and dry enough to make you reach for the glass again to quench your thirst. All in all a good whisky but somewhat simple. Not a must buy but also no regrets having it in the cabinet.

Well for my money its hard to beat Compass Box at most levels in the world of blends. They are masters of delivering a thoroughly enjoyable experience in many different varieties and price points. This is no exception. It has the soft sweet sherry fruit nose. Rich fruity/malty palate with light woods and just a hint of peat. Pleasant lasting finish with no off notes to be found. Are there better single malts in this range sure but some are spikey and uneven. This is just smooth sailing, succulent and delicious. Think of the Spaniard as the JW Green of sherried blends........87/100..... not a huge note taker(there if you want to suss out ) just damn good VERY drinkable scotch. Great gift with the artwork and easy ride like an old Trans Am with T-tops on a summer night

Nose: Sherry/Red wine note is most predominant. A sour sweet red berry with an slight barrel oak astringency. Sultanas and spice. Fresh and crisp. Toasted sugars. Palate: Holy sweet Jesus is this a strawberry bomb! If you love a juicy, oily and sweet mouthfeel this is for you. Dark strawberry and raspberry lollipop! Chocolate covered cherries. Juicy fruit and dry red wine mix together seamlessly. A nice balance of sweet and bitter that welcome each other. Hats off to the blender here. Definitely a dessert after dinner Scotch. No burn and very ummm….smooth 🤷🏽😅🤦🏽‍♂️ Does offer a lot considering the 43% however if this was 46%< I do feel it would be a notch above. That being said what do I know…I’m no John Glaser 😂😂 Finish: Sweet and berry. Very little burn with a nice dry red wine and fruity after taste. It’s a medium finish that leaves gently and friendly. A lovely dessert and relaxing time. Score: 89/100 for me. For only being 43% it has a lot of good sweet flavor that I like in my Dessert style whiskies. Definitely a good sherry dram if you like a refreshening light strawberry.

Fruity whiskey, pears, apples, a touch of spice, good body, later notes of sherry and red wine appear.