Whisky : Compass Box Hedonism Felicitas

Country/Region : Scotland/Blend (Blended Grain Whisky)

ABV : 53%

Cask : Ex-Bourbon, Recharred Oak, Refill Sherry

Age : 18+ (2001 Port Dundas, 1980s Strathclyde, 1990s North British)

Nose : Toffee, pudding and orchard fruits.  Sweet creamy grain wafted the glass with vanilla, cinnamon pastries, and banana toffee pudding.  Impressions of a sprawling archive with old wooden library shelves, dusty books, and sweet binding paste.  Water opened up more classic dessert notes of granny smith apple pie and vanilla wafers.

Palate : Medium to thick body with a nice oiliness and notes of refined sugar, cream, and spice.  Banana caramel split hit first with toffee candies, banana pudding, and vanilla wafters not far behind.  Brown sugar and oily dried vanilla beans sat in the background with hints of black pepper.  A few drops of water reduced the viscosity but brought out notes of tropical fruit with creamy vanilla yogurt.

Finish :  Slightly dry with woody vanilla and brown sugar

Score : 5

Mental Image : Puddin’

Notes : This was remarkably creamy and loaded with sweet notes of toffee and caramel.  This just screamed Port Dundas and I was not surprised to see that Port Dundas made up the majority of the bend.  The mouthfeel on this was probably the best part as it was thick, oily, and mouth coating, though the entire package was attractive as a mellow sweet whisky to sip on in the early evening.  It was not the most complex whisky you are likely to have available, but it was well balanced and certainly enjoyable.  It was a bit like that piece of leftover Birthday cake that was not life changing, but later on you find yourself rummaging for it because now you have a craving.  Not the best thing in the world, but it’ll do.

Overall, a wonderfully mellow and sweet blend of grain whiskies that came together to really accentuate the sweet toffee and caramel banana notes of the Port Dundas.  A bit sweet and simple for my taste, this makes for a great introduction to the virtues of grain whisky.

Image Credit : The Whisky Exchange