Generously_Paul
Compass Box The Double Single
Blended — Scotland
Reviewed
December 21, 2017 (edited October 21, 2024)
Another of the bonus samples from our SDT group. This one provided by @LeeEvolved The Double Single is so named because it is a blend of one single malt (Glen Elgin - 72%) and one single grain (Girvan - 28%). Bottled at 46% ABV and as all CBW releases are, this is non chill filtered and natural color. This one is a yellow gold.
The nose starts off with lemon zest and baked lemon bars. Lots of vanilla and toffee. Some faint butterscotch. Candle wax becomes more and more prominent, like a candle dripping hot wax onto an unfinished oak table. Heather honey, floral and herbal. A little more fruity notes like apricots and peaches in cream slide in. Subtle white grape juice. Cinnamon, nutmeg and ginger. Finally some oranges dusted in cocoa powder.
The palate arrives a little thin with some lemon, but quickly transitions into a full on waxy experience. It’s like chewing on wax bottle candies. You know the kind, with the different flavored syrups in them. Like that, only with scotch inside. It turns fruity with pears, apricots and peaches. Soft vanilla, toffee and caramel. A little toasted oak and coconut milk. There’s a hit of menthol here and there with a pine needle note. A slight grain alcohol feel but nothing too unpleasant. All of everything covered in wax though.
A medium light bodied mouthfeel that is lightly oily, dry and mouth coating.
A medium long finish that is very dry with waxy lemons, grain and floral notes.
John Glaser and the folks at CBW have done it again. They’ve taken two ingredients and created something greater than the sum of the parts. This is not an in your face expression like Peat Monster or Flaming Heart, but it is quite elegant in its relative simplicity. The waxiest whisky I’ve ever had, quite unique in that regard. This would make for a great early summertime sipper, relaxing and listening to the ball game on the radio. At $155 I cant say it’s worth the money, but limited releases like these (only 5838 bottles) often command higher prices. It’s not going to blow your mind, but it will take you to your happy place if you let it. Thanks again Lee. A solid 4.
Cheers
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I agree @Telex that Girvan is not a name you want to see on the bottle. It’s really a unique experience. Incredibly waxy
28% Girvan?? Uh oh - I've been avoiding this one, but I hope I am pleasantly surprised later =)
Nice review!
Compass Box is now at premium to ultra premium status. Their only affordable malt might be the Great King St blends.
Great review, GP. Im glad you really enjoyed it. I’ve hit that bottle 3x and it’s like I’m still waiting for something more to show up. I love the finish, especially for a grain whisky, I just think it lacks any depth. It certainly isn’t worth the price point, but I wouldn’t dare write it off as a dud.