Review from Barreled from November 2016 Part two of the Compass Box Whisky sampler pack reviews. This blended malt scotch whisky has no age statement but I read that all components are at least 10 years old. Oak Cross gets its name from the custom hybrid casks being used made with virgin French oak heads and first fill American oak staves. It is composed of 60% northern Highland single malt, 20% Highland single malt, and 20% Speyside single malt. As are all CBW whiskies, it is natural color and non chill filtered. This one is a nice golden color and is 43% ABV. The nose is heavy with ripe red fruits and oak spices. Vanilla, toffee, and some clove. Sweet berries and maybe some pineapple candy. A hint of toasted coconut. Every time I picked up the glass to nose it I got an initial smell of melted butter that quickly faded into oak. On the palate there are plenty of oak spices as to be expected. Toffee, vanilla, caramel. Some bourbon sweetness from the American oak. The French oak is definitely there as well with more intensity. Lightly fruity but not much. There was a brief and fleeting mint/menthol note as well. Creamy mouthfeel. The finish is medium short and is very oaky. I immediately compared this blend to the Glenlivet 15 YO French Oak Reserve. This one is fruitier and the American oak give more of a sweetness, but the French oak notes are very similar. Both display high quality oak casks. Overall, it's not an exceptional whisky, but for a blend it's very good. Easy to drink and good for any occasion. 3.5 Cheers