Slainte-Mhath
Compass Box Experimental Grain
Blended Grain — Scotland
Reviewed
November 27, 2022 (edited December 29, 2022)
I didn't get off to a good start with Experimental Grain, featuring peated, column-distilled Loch Lomond. Random notes of raspberry effervescent tablets, pinewood and mossy vegetation reach my nose, interrupted by smoldering wood, herbs and distant honey. On the palate, vanilla, cinnamon and banana compete with emerging peat smoke, fresh mint and bitter oranges. Whipped cream, milk chocolate and tannins mark the drying finish. Like a spy traveling under a false passport, Hedonism's alter ago remains opaque, confusing and weirdly fascinating.
RATING: 3.5/5.0 stars ≙ 84 pts → ABOVE AVERAGE
90.0
EUR
per
Bottle
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@Slainte-Mhath This one was my first. After working through CB’s normal line up, I decided I was a big fan. After trying a few hundred whiskies, I am now focusing on the premium offerings from my favorites. Drinking less, but better. Got The Circle No 2 (unopened). Hoping to get the newest Flaming Heart (local whiskey shop has a limited supply so is having a raffle to purchase this week).
@angstrom What's your favorite Limited Release from Compass Box? I will round off my Compass Box review series with No Name and Flaming Heart, the latter is probably my favorite.
@Slainte-Mhath It’s all good. I’ve been burned by a few oddball whiskies, it was nice to get one I finally thought was on the fun side of strange and unusual.
@angstrom I gave it a few more weeks, and it has improved to some extend. I can't give Experimental Grain a higher mark than 3.5 stars, as many of the Compass Box core range bottlings are a far better value. It is an oddball, but as someone with a profound interest in old grain whiskies, it does not entirely convince me.
Additional comment: Not every Compass Box can be a winner, I know. My initial reaction was utter disappointment (81-82 pts), the second tasting went much better (85 pts), and I started to wonder what's going on here. The main issue I have with this release is that it comes across as incoherent, there is no clear picture or direction. That said, it is an interesting dram to explore if you are patient and spend some time with it. However, it is hard to justify the price of this bottle, Hedonism at half the price is a far better dram, that's at least my personal opinion.
Additional information: This blended grain contains 36.7% North British, 14.5% Cameronbridge, 17.8% Hedonism and 31% peated Loch Lomond.