Slainte-Mhath
Compass Box Menagerie
Blended Malt — Scotland
Reviewed
November 12, 2022 (edited December 11, 2022)
The concept of Menagerie is 'different species of whiskies brought together', with 42.7% of Mortlach serving as the base. Smoked pineapple, mango and ginger candies form the nose, and I am glad they did not let the Laphroaig out of its cage. Whiffs of smoke, herbal teas and summer meadows emerge. On the palate, exotic fruits, peppery spices and hints of peat mix with eucalyptus, green apples and cloves. Measured oak, lemon and roasted nuts sparkle in the lasting finish. There is a lot to discover in this zoo, given that you can afford the admission fee.
RATING: 4.0/5.0 stars ≙ 87 pts → FIRST-CLASS
100.0
EUR
per
Bottle
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@DrRHCMadden I would say it is low risk novelty with CB. Everything is usually good to great, which makes it an easy gamble. I also like their style, most stuff is 46% NCF and they disclose everything in the blend, including distillery, proportions, cask, and age.
@DrRHCMadden I wouldn't say missing out, but Compass Box gives a different perspective on whisky. Blended malts (and grains) are overlooked by many single malt drinkers, but isn't it refreshing to taste something new?
@angstrom I poured my second dram of Experimental Grain today, and things start to improve gradually. That's why I always hesitate to rate/review a whisky based on a single tasting. To be continued.
Seems like everyone but me is drinking compass box lately. What am I missing out on…
i loved this dram
@angstrom I will give it two weeks, then I'll move on. I have so many bottles (and samples) waiting for me, too much for a lifetime. Actually, I don't mind to come across a Compass Box that does not blow my socks off, it brings more balance to the reviews. With No Name and Flaming Heart next in the queue, I'm certainly not concerned about the next ratings to come.
@Slainte-Mhath. Give it three months. Then let the opinions fly.
@angstrom Thanks for the advice. I really like old grain whiskies and bought quite a few in past years, so this Compass Box was intriguing. However, I never was a huge fan of Loch Lomond, and my first impression was a disappointment. The whole dram seems disjoined, as one would force parts together which don't fit. I will give it time to breath and settle, maybe it will grow on me?
@Slainte-Mhath Give the EG some time. At first it was weird. But over time it became oddly hypnotic and I really enjoyed the originality.
@PBMichiganWolverine I have not tried it yet, reviews were a mixed bag. Not sure if it is worth the price tag, to be honest. I popped the Experimental Grain today, and I'm stuggling. An oddball, not quite sure what to make of it. I will give it a few more drams before I wrap up my notes...
@Slainte-Mhath did you happen to try their Ultramarine? Concept sounds interesting, but not sure it’s a marketing gimmick or actually good whiskey
Additional comment: This limited release is probably the best bang for your buck Compass Box, which is actually worth the money. It delivers on nose, taste and finish, I highly recommend it. The rather low average on this bottle is unjustified.
Additional information: This blended malt contains 42.7% Mortlach, 18.1% Glen Elgin, 17.1% Deanston and 5.4% Laphroaig (enough to show up!).