fomo
Compass Box Orchard House
Blended Malt — Scotland
Reviewed
October 19, 2021 (edited May 6, 2026)
I'm in the minority in that I've generally been underwhelmed by Compass Box. Although I agree with the company's principles, I've generally found their whiskies to be less interesting and more expensive than traditional single malts. However, the name "Orchard House" brought back memories of some wonderful fruit-forward Balblairs, so I was compelled to try this one.
Impressions @ new bottle:
The nose seems a bit tight, offering more grass, lavender, and acetone than fruit. This will likely open up with time and/or water, but it's a touch astringent, as is. The palate is surprisingly dry, and offers a lot of wood and spice up front. The palate begins to really shine at mid-palate, as some really lovely Balblair-esque fruit notes arrive and stay through the finish. Dried apricot, canned peaches, brandied cherries, and pear cider mix with notes of black tea and cloves. The finish is pleasantly warm and reasonably long.
I am very pleasantly surprised by this. At first blush, the quality and value are outstanding. This is an approachable but interesting blend that drinks more like a single malt.
43.99
USD
per
Bottle
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@PBMichiganWolverine many thanks for the tips. I’ve always taken to heart your comments about not buying into the marketing hype. After sampling hundreds of different spirits, I’ve come to the conclusion that it’s pretty hard to beat a PC10 or Uigeadial at $60-70.
@PBMichiganWolverine Unfortunately not, and I fear I will never get the opportunity :(
@ContemplativeFox have you tried the NY blend ?
I haven't been wowed by CB either. I like their philosophy, but the VFM has been underwhelming. I just opened my bottle of Glasgow @PBMichiganWolverine , but haven't gotten to try it yet. I'm optimistic about it :)
@fomo the Glasgow blend is excellent. So is their NY blend. Their limited versions used to be amazing , for which I didn’t mind paying the premium, but to me it seems like now they’re charging the premium and I feel as if I can find just as good or better, for a lower price point.
@Ctrexman The Glasgow blend has been on my list for a long time. It’s really reasonable in my area - typically under $35. This bottle has encouraged me to try more of CB’s core range.
@PBMichiganWolverine I totally agree. I’m big on value and that’s ultimately what convinced me to take a chance on this one. On the other hand, those $100+ releases face pretty stiff competition.
I’ve also lost interest in Compass Box , namely because their prices are ever increasing but I feel as if their whiskeys have been declining (except the affordable and very good core ranges). This one intrigued me as well…it’s affordable and seems to be pretty good.
Hmmm havent seen this yet but I am a fan of Great King St Artist /Glasgow. Nice review