Tony-Scotch
Compass Box Spice Tree
Blended Malt — Scotland
Reviewed
May 10, 2017 (edited November 19, 2019)
Took a break from the whisky game to reset my palette (and liver). Excited to try another Compass Box product. Spice Tree is a beautifully rich dram but a bit overpriced.
Nose: Citrus peel, blood orange?, cinnamon and red apples.
Taste: Ginger, allspice, clove, very hot, bursts of cherry syrup. Wave after wave of flavor. Creamy mouthfeel.
Finish: Toffee, vanilla, apples and honey, long and fruity. Wow!
This has a very similar flavor profile to Aberlour. It’s the best blended Scotch I’ve ever had however I struggle to find a place for it. I personally prefer the dried fruit profile of Macallan and Glendronach and those have me covered on that end of the spectrum, but make no mistake folks this is quality stuff!
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I am in agreement with everyone here on CB's pricing. Not sure I understand what the strategy is. There are too many other single malts I'd rather buy instead.
Scott---you're right...for that price, I'd rather get HP18 or Talisker. Ironically, I have the original Double Single, from about 8-9 years ago. At that time, I got it for $35.
The core "Signature" expressions are reasonably priced, I think. Asyla, Oak Cross, Spice Tree and Peat Monster are all around $70-$80 here and that's the same territory inhabited by some fine malts such as Old Pulteney 12, Highland Park 12 etc. I'd rate Spice Tree and Peat Monster as definitely in that class. The King Street blends and the expensive limited editions are the hard ones to justify.
It seemed (to me) in previous years CB was relatively affordable and quite exceptional for the value which had sucked me in. However, the newer "stuff" is outside my price range and is unfortunate for me. As you stated Pranay, the Double-Single is > $150...which, from what I read, though sounding great, is a "bare bones" blend (to keep it simple). For that cost, I think I would prefer to spend on HP18 or Talisker18. I love what CB is doing, just sad that the price has radically jumped, above what I am willing to pay. (Sorry to vent in this nice review Tony...)
I think their core range is still affordable and very good...but, it's these limited offerings that are just outrageously priced. Their "3" is close to $300 I think
Ah that's a pity they are getting so expensive as I was just getting into them. I have a sample of the spice extravaganza which I'm looking forward to. This is my favourite compass box so far.
Most of Compass Box, at least their limited offerings, are over priced now. Their latest, Double Single which is a blend of a grain and malt, is well over $150.