From Compass Box sample box containing five different 50mL vials from their “core range.” I was able to get this on sale for $30. Spice Tree is the best out of the five; Asyla, Oak Cross, Peat Monster, and Hedonism are the others. It is also the one that is the boldest and has an unabashed history of being once deemed illegal per the Scotch Whisky Association (SWA). I have never tasted the illegal version of Spice Tree, but word of mouth is that the newer versions approximate the illegal ones, which are now worth a million dollars. And word of mouth is fuck the SWA, because Compass Box caters to those who are always right: me, the consumer. NOSE: After sampling 10mL in a Glencairn, I poured the remaining 40mL into my ridiculous fishbowl sized cognac sniffer because the smell is that potent! This year in my whisky education, I am learning that peat is not the only way to grow chest hair. Whisky in French oak becomes incredibly spicy, and to have this whisky be 80% matured in new French oak is insane. Let this one sit for 10 minutes, and smell it. Spice is crazier than peat is the conclusion. Almost overwhelming clove, allspice, white pepper. In the background, eucalyptus, lemon, and maybe a little culantro. PALATE: Doughy, oily, grassy, and utterly unique. Tree barkiness: maple syrup with maple wood, cedar, oak, redwood. Hints of raisins and vanilla. The spiciness definitely dominates. Missing some smokiness, otherwise you would have Talisker… FINISH: Youthy plastic notes detract from the experience, but you get a fairly long afterburn of spice. Breathtaking development of ginger and lemon. Some allspice and clove continues. It’s like a spicy alcoholic green tea! WITH WATER: Water amplifies spice. Do add a few drops. This lets you know the burn is not from the ethanol. The nose and the finish are improved, and the name “Spice Tree” does not do this dram justice. I would go with “Spicefuck.” VERDICT: Out of the 5 in this Compass Box sample pack, this is the only one that encourages me to purchase a full bottle. I am buying the full version of this ($75), and I am also buying a bottle of the Spice Tree Extravaganza ($140) that blends in some older whiskies. The spicy power of French oak is on full display with Spice Tree, and I am in awe. I want more. MARK: 90/100.