Compass Box, known for its inventive style of Scotch whisky blending, introduced a major update to its core range in July 2024. This change signals a fresh chapter for the brand, coming after John Glaser left in May 2024 and a period of careful planning about the direction of its whiskies. The new core range now includes six distinct expressions: the returning favourites Orchard House and The Peat Monster, the established Artist and Glasgow blends, and two new releases – Nectarosity and Crimson Casks. With this update, Compass Box has retired The Story of the Spaniard and Spice Tree, aiming to bring more clarity and definition to the line-up. Now, let’s take a closer look at the two latest additions: Compass Box Nectarosity and Crimson Casks.
Compass Box Nectarosity (2024) Review
Compass Box drew inspiration for Nectarosity from the flavours of high-end French patisseries. They crafted this whisky using parcels of grain spirit from Girvan and Cameronbridge, along with malt from Clynelish, Linkwood, and Balmenach. The team twice employed custom toasted and charred virgin oak casks from Missouri during maturation: first, to mature new make grain spirit for a year, and then to age new make malt spirit for six to eight years. They also included whiskies matured in first-fill Bourbon casks, custom American oak, and casks seasoned with Palo Cortado Sherry. This non-age statement blend, bottled in 2024 at 46% ABV, contains no chill filtration or colouring. It remains widely available at around £50 or €50 per bottle.
Colour:
Old gold.
Nose:
Neat: It presents several honey notes, flower pistils, a light touch of oak, and hints of vanilla. You can also detect oranges and apricots, along with toffee, all at a medium intensity.
Palate:
Neat: The arrival is creamy and sweet, followed by a noticeable hit of pepper. The apricots and oranges from the nose carry through to the palate, accompanied by tinned peaches in syrup. There is a light bitterness from toasted oak, hints of chocolate, and more spices, including cinnamon and clove. Then, gingerbread with unsalted butter and some butterscotch.
Finish:
Spices and warmth linger, accompanied by a lightly fruity sweetness reminiscent of peaches covered in honey.
Comments:
Nectarosity from Compass Box offers a pleasant, fruity sweetness with a touch of spice on the palate. However, I find it lacks the extra depth and complexity that would make it truly stand out. Still, it serves well as a light, summery dram for an everyday sip.
Rating: 6/10
Compass Box Crimson Casks (2024) Review
Compass Box designed Crimson Casks to showcase the influence of Sherry casks. The label features the Forest King crowned with oak, representing the transformative effect of oloroso Sherry casks. This blended malt contains no grain whisky and brings together spirits from Glen Moray, Benrinnes, Teaninich, a distillery near Aberlour, and Compass Box’s own Highland blend. The whisky matures in a mix of first-fill Sherry butts, refill Spanish wine casks, and heavily toasted custom French oak casks. Bottled in 2024 at 46% ABV, Crimson Casks remains non-chillfiltered and natural in colour. You can find it widely available for about €65 or £65 per bottle.
Colour:
Russet
Nose:
Neat: It shows a clear sherry influence without being overwhelming; this is not a sherry bomb. You can detect red fruits such as raspberries and cherries, along with plums, oranges, and red apples. There are hints of cinnamon, a touch of milk chocolate, and a slight sharpness reminiscent of solvent.
Palate:
Neat: The palate features plums, oranges, and red fruits again, accompanied by a light vinous flavour. There is a light saltiness and a slight astringency. Red apples reappear, along with cherries, a bit of caramel, and spices like cinnamon and clove. Dark chocolate is also noticeable.
Finish:
The finish presents a soft bitterness from toasted oak, along with maraschino cherries, dark chocolate, and coffee, with a medium length.
Comments:
This Compass Box Crimson Casks is a nice medium-sherried blended malt, flavourful but, once again, lacking something to notch it up into the very good category. An easy sipper as well, but I’m not sure about the price, which feels a bit expensive. But definitely above average: it’s not watery, it has flavours and there’s no real off-note.