Food & Drink

Review: Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky

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Compass Field is out with its newest expression, and even explaining what it’s takes some doing.

Experimental Grain Whisky is a mix of 4 whiskies, one in every of which is constructed from 100% peated malted barley from Loch Lomond Distillery. So: That portion is a single malt, proper? Really, no. It’s distilled in a column nonetheless as a substitute of a pot nonetheless, which isn’t allowed by Scottish authorized requirements for single malts. This whisky is then aged in a second fill bourbon barrel. In order that portion is a curious “single grain” whisky. The remaining three whiskies within the mix embody Hedonism Blended Grain (bourbon barreled), Cameronbridge Single Grain (recharred American oak), and North British Distillery Single Grain (recharred American oak).

“Experimental Grain Whisky tastes like no Restricted Version we have now made earlier than – and even seems completely different by flipping the back and front labels,” says lead whiskymaker James Saxon. “We got down to create the alter ego to Hedonism, our signature whisky and the world’s first ‘Vatted Grain.’ The whisky we sourced from the Loch Lomond Distillery has been constructed from a mashbill of 100% peated malted barley; this element, in what’s formally a grain whisky, seems like a spy travelling underneath a false passport. We love this pressure that so usually exists between the principles and a contemporary willingness to do issues in another way, in pursuit of taste.”

This parcel sourced from Loch Lomond Distillery, which makes up one third of the recipe, is perhaps 100% malt, however as a result of it’s produced in a column nonetheless relatively than a pot nonetheless, Scotch whisky conventions require it to be categorized as grain whisky. As well as, Experimental Grain Whisky comprises conventionally made grain whiskies aged in recharred barrels and hogsheads, contributing wealthy crème brûlée notes that deliver depth to the Loch Lomond whisky’s distinctive natural and spicy smoke aromas.

Issues come collectively in a surprisingly pleasant vogue, combining one of the best options of each malt and grain whiskies, a formidable feat. On the nostril, the peat is outstanding however not domineering, with notes of lemon peel, reduce grass, a mixture of herbs, and only a trace of asphalt all in a swirl. Mild on its toes, palate-wise, the whisky dances its option to a sweeter world of almond and nougat, milk chocolate, with spice creeping in because the end builds — by no means overly gummy in the way in which that some grain whiskies might be. The smoky parts fall away virtually in full in the long run, the fade-out light, candy, and flippantly floral. Wholly agreeable.

92 proof.

B+ / $150 / compassboxwhisky.com

Compass Field Experimental Grain Whisky

$150

Ranking


8.5/10

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