Compass Box Gold Standard — Whiskery Turnip

Dec 18

Dec 18 Compass Box Gold Standard

Whisky : Compass Box Gold Standard

Country/Region : Scotland/Blend

ABV : 46%

Nose : Waxy lemons, tart grape fruit, mineral oil, and a salty undertone. Hints of florals and dried, almost herbal, lemon peel came out over time. The wife pegged it as fresh raw apple cider boiling away with cinnamon and clove.

Palate : Medium bodied with lovely notes of wax, mineral, and citrus. Earthy and sweet preserved ginger, lemon rings, and grapefruit. An acidic edge kept the dram refreshing and emphasized the fruits while slightly chalky notes developed. Fresh apple cider, shell fish, and, according to the wife, snails, came alive on the end.

Finish : Lingering sweet acidity and waxy citrus.

Score : 6

Mental Image : Long Days at the Cider Mill

Something Better : Glen Ord 9Y SMWS 77.57 (similar waxy-fruity profile, more cream, less acidic)

Something Worse : Milk & Honey Classic Single Malt (similar waxy citrus, more pastry/honey)

Notes : A lovely present from Compass Box in celebration of Binny’s 70th Anniversary a few years ago. This was an absolute treat and if I could go back in time and buy a bottle I definitely would. This was loaded with plenty of fruity notes, subtle spice, and a grab bag of earthy, mineral, and salty undertones. There was a ton going on in the glass which made this an ideal dram to sit with and pick apart, or just enjoy. There was enough complexity to make the dram really interesting, but enough clean crisp flavors tha little thought was required as everything just spread out across the palate.

According to Compass Box this blend was composed primarily of Clynelish, a parcel of 23 Year aged in American Oak and a younger parcel of 9-14 Year vatted in French Oak. Second fiddle to the Clynelish and its waxy fruits were a 28 Year Port Dundas single grain and a 14 Year Teaninich. Salty savory notes in the background were provided by an 11 Year Caol Ila and a 14 Year Ardbeg which together made up about 6% of the blend. All in all an excellent combination that really came together in a special way.