Who loves limited release Compass Box whiskies? This guy (Points both thumbs back at self). Thanks you an anonymous friend, from the Boston area, I was able to sample this exotic CBW without having to pop the cork on my personal bottle. This offering was released a couple of years ago and has garnered some great reviews and I’m thrilled to finally be able to taste it for myself. This one is dark gold in the taster, and true to CBW form, has no added color and isn’t chill filtered. It produces some fat, oily legs and really fat droplets in your tasting glass. It’s bottled at 49% ABV and cost a whopping $300 when it was released. Secondary market prices are still holding in the $300+ range, although they are harder to find now. The nose started out with lots of tropical fruits: tangy citrus, luscious mango and banana with some typical, orchard fruits entangled alongside it. Green apples and ripened pear slices dipped in honey give way to some serious Four Roses-type florals and spices. The oak slips away leaving this one tasting more like a liquified apple pie drizzled with a vanilla creme glaze. The palate feels light and very juicy before turning spicy by mid sip. More tropical notes abound before the spice and pepper take over. At no point is there any evidence of youthful spirit, no harsh or abrasive backbone, it’s just silky and a tad dry. The finish brings more sweet vanilla and a lingering juiciness that you really never want to end. It’s long and mouthwatering- I believe it made me more thirsty. Sadly, I only had an ounce to entertain my taste buds before having to return to something much less enticing. This is a wonderful dram- another fine example of what John Glaser can do with some of the incredible whisky stock he has on hand. When I took a look at their website to inquire what exactly was used here, it appears they want to keep this one a bit more of a secret (either that or I should’ve looked when the bottle was first released). All I see now is: Highland blend parcel 1, parcel 2, blended grain and Benrinnes. Hmmm. Ah, really it doesn’t matter, it’s damn good. It may be a stretch declaring it $300 good, but that’s another discussion. This is 4.5 star whisky. Grab a pour if you see a bottle near you- you won’t be disappointed. Thanks again, Mr Anonymous New Englander! I owe you one (or two). Cheers.