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Compass Box Great King St Glasgow Blend
Blended — Scotland
Reviewed
April 27, 2017 (edited March 9, 2021)
Nose: Well defined but elegant and restrained smoke backed up by a little fruitiness (apples), some soft vanilla and malty notes. A touch of sherry and the grain whisky component is noticeable, but certainly not objectionable.
Palate: The arrival delivers on the promise of the nose, being lightly smoky and fruity. Over time an apple cider note appears and it has an overall pleasant and creamy nature with a hint of sherried dark fruit.
Finish. Short. The palate just fades away with nothing new appearing and little noticeable aftertaste.
The first time I tasted this was about 6 months ago (early 2016) and I was a bit disappointed. There didn't seem to me much of a nose or palate and I really didn't see what the fuss was all about. Then recently I bought another bottle for a group tasting of blends with some mates and it seemed much better. Maybe there are batch variations?
Tasting it neat is an enjoyable experience, but it's when you use this as a mixer that you finally get the message because it is absolutely, specifically crafted to be a superior mixing scotch that imparts a gentle but definite smokiness.
Given the relatively small bottle size, by volume it ends up being in the same price bracket as many less expensive single malts and also the more interesting Compass Box blended malts, so it's a personal choice as to whether it is worth it. I did notice, however, that while I had this in the house I tended to reach for it automatically when making a scotch and soda. It has an agreeably light, clean character and is crisper than most other smoky blends.
"Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)
50.0
AUD
per
Bottle
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Yeah I have bars nearby me that list the Artist's Blend as New York blend...probably just catering to the crowds out here to make us feel special. I oughta pick up another bottle and see if I'm still fond of it.
Yeah I have bars nearby me that list the Artist's Blend as New York blend...probably just catering to the crowds out here to make us feel special. I oughta pick up another bottle and see if I'm still fond of it.
Lee: I may have found a solution to your quest. I think the Artist Blend and NY are the one and same. John Glaser's marketing team is just messing with us. Maybe you're thinking of the rare (and discontinued) Experimental Series?
I've landed bottles of this one and the Artist's blend and I'm still looking for the rarer New York blend. Then I'll try a full comparison of all three. Nice review.
I just did a quick search on their website---so, it is $21...but for 375ml.
$22?! It's always $35 at Astor Wines. I'm a big fan of this. It keeps me from chugging my Talisker bottles too fast.
I will check them out, see if I can grab one.
Yeah---I could've sworn I saw it for $22. Maybe it's on their website as well---google Grammercy Wines NYC
$22!? Everywhere I find it, its about $35 (I'm thinking Astor Wines and Warehouse Wines).
Scott----I think Grammercy Wine over on Park and 23rd has it---I saw it there just last week, for about $22
In Australia, as in the U.K., the King Street blends are sold in half-litre bottles. I think the US has different excise laws and your bottles have to be 750ml. Both King Streets are easy to find over here, but only from one chain of bottle shops (fortunately it's one of the biggest). Everyone else is either out of stock or never carried it.
I have been seeking for a fair amount of time this out myself and I too cannot find this blend. I can, however, easily find the Great King Street blend. Where oh where art thou?
when I last tried it, 2-3 yrs ago, it was the regular bottle volume. Has it changed now to a smaller one? ( I thought US regulations don't allow the 500 or 350 sizes for imports, just for domestic ones)
What is the bottle size? I've been looking for this one but no one in my area seems to stock it