COUNTRY/REGION: Scotland/Various.
CATEGORY: Blended Malt.
BOTTLER: Compass Box (CB).
BOTTLED: 2018
NUMBER OF BOTTLES: 12,060
STRENGTH: 48.9% Vol.
TASTING NOTES: Jim Murray's 2018 Whisky Bible.
NOSE: My very good friend at Compass Box appears to have mellowed with age. Once, this would have been a test to see how many splinters my nose could withstand. Now it is simply teased then kissed. And there is nothing flaming at all; rather a sigh of malty memories and the most gentle nod towards a smoky peace in life.
TASTE: i should have known better. He lulled me into a false sense of security. The delivery is a peach (actually, there does appear to be something peach like in there, or is it melon?) The dexterity of the smoke, now in total harmony wuth the mocha is something that warms not just the palate but the heart. I is not aflame, just glowing pleasantly...;
FINISH: The vanillas make their excuses and stay, the smoke fades with aplomb while the muscovado inspired fruit habgs around to give balanece;
BALANCE: Really John? Fifteen years? I mean 15 years...? Oh by the way, mate. It's a bloody masterpiece.
96.5 POINTS