Crimson Casks | Whisky Lady

We are no strangers to Compass Box blends! So at the 2024 London Whisky Show, we were clear that we needed to make time to check out some of their latest expressions. We had no idea what kind of treat we were in for – thanks in large part to a most enjoyable exchange with Alex Driver – Whisky Educator for Compass Box.

Crimson Casks 46%

Wow! Spice and sherry! Think of a heavy rich Christmas pudding – chock full of soaked dried fruits and sweet spices. And on the palate? Full-bodied, plummy, yummy, spicy and fun. Closing with chocolate, toffee, and raisins with a hint of ginger. In short – it’s quite an addition to their range. It made me think of a cross between Compaass Box’s Spice Tree and The Story of the Spaniard.

What more do we know? There is a lot of Glen Moray and a “distillery near the town of Aberlour” hint hint! AThis blend is part of the new core range – available for ~Eur 85.

26.9% single malt from the distillery near the town of Aberlour aged in a first-fill oloroso sherry-seasoned butt (11-month finish).
19.7% Glen Moray single malt aged in a first-fill oloroso sherry-seasoned butt (four-year finish).
14.5% Benrinnes single malt aged in a first-fill bourbon barrel.
11.3% Glen Moray single malt aged in a first-fill oloroso sherry-seasoned butt (four-year finish).
8.4% single malt from the distillery near the town of Aberlour aged in a first-fill oloroso sherry-seasoned butt.
7.3% Highland malt blend aged in a custom French oak barrel (heavy toast).
6.1% Teaninich single malt aged in a first-fill sherry butt.
5.8% Glen Moray single malt aged in a refill hogshead (Spanish red wine barrique).

Nectarosity 46%

After a celebration of sherry casks, we moved on to something a bit softer. From the initial whiff – I knew this was my kind of blend! Lovely! Soft toffee, creme brule, warm and inviting – like freshly baked goey pastries. On the palate, it led with sunny peaches, honey sweet, and fruity. It closed with butterscotch and a hint of nutty butter. Delicious! This was truly a dessert dram!

What more do we know? This is how Compass Box describes their process for Nectarosity:

Special American oak barrels are deployed twice. First to impart sweet spice to grain spirit, which finishes maturing in other casks. Once ‘prepared’, the barrels age malt whisky. We expertly blend these two characterful whiskies with selected others to dial up the fruit and toffee notes.

As we sniffed, swished, and sipped, Alex shared how the blend reflects key components like Clynelish, Linkwood, Cameronbridge, Girvan, and Balmenach. It is available for quite a reasonable Eur 65.

Celestial 56%

From accessible and enjoyable to exceptional and rare – we entered the hallowed territory of extinct whiskies – the fifth and last of the series. Inspired by Whitehorse from the 1960s, this was a singular experience.

We were anticipating a peaty powerhouse, knowing it drew heavily from Ardbeg and Caol Ila, however, it was initially a bit shy in the glass, needing a bit of time to warm up before rewarding with citrus and peat. On the palate, there were many layers – different styles of peat, one on top of the other and yet exceedingly well integrated with none being too much. From herbal peat to cinnamon sweet peat, briney coastal peat to toast and butter, bonfire to smoked meats, charred pineapple to leather, it simply worked! For all the variety, it was a subtle combination rather than a cacophony. Even the finish was a slow, long, lingering…

Compass Box describes it as having “[a] ghostly peat note, abundant cask sweetness verging on gingerbread and stem ginger in syrup, and a floral fruitiness.”

This expression is – for quite obvious reasons – a bit heavier on the pocketbook. Last seen for around Eur 365, it likely won’t be available for much longer.

We closed with an experiment – a blend of blends from a special collaboration between Woven and Compass Box. It even had an Indian connection with some Paul John! It was a teasing treat – enough to convince us that such a collaboration is worth further exploration!

Curious about other Compass Box experiences? There have been more than a few! Including a couple of evenings devoted just to Compass Box!