Compass Box The Blenders Collection 3x5cl

Volume: 0.15 litres | Alcohol content: 44% | Chill filtration: No | Colouring: No

Special Features:

The Blenders' Collection offers a comparison of three different approaches to whisky blending. The gift box brings together Glasgow Blend, a Blended Scotch, Orchard House, a Blended Malt, and Hedonism, a Blended Grain. It contains 0.05 litres of each, at 43%, 46% and 43% alcohol respectively.

Glasgow Blend draws on Glasgow's historical preference for rich, smoky whiskies. Around 65% malt whisky from the Highlands and Islay is combined with grain whisky from the Lowlands. Sherry-seasoned butts, American oak barrels and hogsheads, and specially made French oak casks contribute to maturation. Its flavour combines smoke, spice and fruitcake notes with sherry sweetness and maritime impressions.

Orchard House, by contrast, puts the fruity character of its malt whiskies centre stage. First-fill bourbon casks contribute a gentle honey sweetness, while the oak influence remains light. The fruity opening recalls crisp red apple and pear. Orchard House then becomes sweeter, with buttery biscuits and honeyed vanilla emerging alongside subtle notes of wild strawberry and Earl Grey tea.

Hedonism reveals the creamy side of mature grain whiskies. Vanilla cream, toffee and coconut shape its smooth character. It was Compass Box's first whisky in 2000. All three whiskies in the set are bottled without chill filtration or added colouring.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Apple and pear dominate Orchard House's nose. Subtle notes of pineapple, lemon and lime zest, and Earl Grey tea complete the aromas. Hedonism has a sweet nose of vanilla and ripe coconut.
• Palate: Orchard House opens with malt and ginger. Honey, wild strawberries and vanilla-rich buttery biscuits follow. Hedonism feels full and soft on the palate. A gentle vanilla sweetness combines with creamy notes, toffee and coconut.
• Finish: Orchard House leaves a hint of cocoa powder on the finish. Hedonism has a medium-length, pleasantly sweet finish. Vanilla, toffee and coconut linger.

Distillery/Bottler:

Founded in 2000, Compass Box creates whiskies from carefully selected Scottish spirits. The company does not operate its own distillery. Its team determines not only the composition of a blend, but also the casks and further maturation of many components. These elements are brought together into individual recipes in the Whiskymaking Room in London; distillation and maturation take place in Scotland.

Its approach includes sharing recipes that identify the distilleries, cask types and proportions of the individual whiskies. Following a dispute over publishing the ages of blend components, Compass Box launched a transparency campaign in 2016. The three different whisky categories in this collection demonstrate how strongly the selection and interplay of components can change a blend's character.

Facts: