Review from Barreled from November 2016 Part three of the Compass Box Whisky sampler pack reviews. This blended malt scotch is a NAS that is non chill filtered and natural color. It weighs in at 46% ABV and has a burnt orange/amber color. According the to information provided by CBW in the box, this appears to have the same spirit composition as their Oak Cross. They are also using hybrid oak casks like Oak Cross, but a different proportion of oak varieties and at a heavier char level. Toasted oak is the initial offering on the nose. Vanilla, nutmeg, cinnamon are there in spades. Some ginger and butterscotch as well. There is definite brown sugar/molasses and some orange peel. I also got a hint of grilled bananas or banana chips. A very well balanced nose; rich, round and sweet. To me, the palate is not as well balanced, more spice than sweet but with a name like Spice Tree I'm not surprised. Clove, nutmeg and some vanilla. There is definitely a sweetness, but the spices are so overpowering for me that I can't seem to pick out individual fruity or sweet flavors. Still very enjoyable though. Slightly oily and even a waxy mouthfeel. The finish is medium in length but the spices do linger and turn sweet with a slight cocoa aftertaste. Overall I think this is better than the Oak Cross, but not by a huge margin. I get the impression that if the Macallan 12 YO was matured in anything other than sherry casks it would be similar to The Spice Tree. I think this deserves a 4, but I'm going with 3.75 because I think it could use a bit more balance on the palate. Still a winner though! Cheers