Richard-ModernDrinking
Compass Box Gold Standard
Blended — Scotland
Reviewed
June 29, 2018 (edited December 15, 2023)
Another limited bespoke edition from Compass Box, this time for the Binny’s superstores of the Midwest. The nose starts off soft and lemony, typical of those Compass Box blends that include grain. It’s pleasant and familiar, but disappointingly suggests there won’t be much to distinguish this from the core range. Give it some time, however, and a hint of Golden Syrup or burnt sugar emerges, indicative perhaps of some sherry casks. The taste follows suit: malt and lemon with a slight undertone of treacle. The finish is short. The recipe, which I didn’t look at until after I’d tasted my sample, comprises Clynelish and Teaninich malt and Port Dundas grain, but also a blend from a “custom French oak cask” and — surprisingly — a couple of Islays. The Teaninich was matured in a sherry butt and could account for the sugary notes, though grain as old as the one used here can also play that way. I didn’t pick up anything from the Islays - Caol Ila and a dash of Ardbeg. Regardless, it’s lovely summer fare that would pair well with a sunny day by a Midwest lake.
Create Account
or
Sign in
to comment on this review
@Anthology No worries. It’s a good one to split with friends, if you have that option.
@Richard-ModernDrinking Perfect thanks for the heads-up!
@Anthology It has to be something I’d want to buy a bottle of to rate four stars and I didn’t feel that I’d want much more of this. I can think of many more whiskies that I’d rather spend $130 on. For example, Compass Box’s recent Delilah release was better than this and cheaper.
@Richard-ModernDrinking Your overall notes suggest a 4⭐️ but you only scored it 3. I saw this on sale @ Bonny’s for $130. Is it worth pulling the trigger at that price?
@SolanaRoots Just a sample I picked up in a trade. Not sure how much this goes for.
Great review @Richard-ModernDrinking - did you pick up a full bottle and if so, what was the price tag on this one?