Compass Box This Is Not a Blend may have a playful name, but the whisky itself is alltogether serious – a characterful single malt created as a tribute to Clynelish distillery in the Scottish Highlands. Here, Compass Box has taken a small selection of first fill bourbon casks distilled in 2015 and given them a short, intensive finishing period in former Bowmore casks from Islay. The result is a fresh, coastal whisky where Clynelish’s elegant, waxy fruitiness meets a subtle thread of peat smoke and sea air.
On the nose, you are greeted by cool sea breeze, green malt and lemon zest, followed by vanilla, liquorice, ripe pear and a gentle hint of smoke and peat. With a little time in the glass, deeper layers appear: cedar wood, clove, pepper, balsamic notes and soft honeyed sweetness.
The palate is both rich and refined, with an oily texture that carries flavours of gentle peat smoke, tropical fruit such as pineapple and banana, beeswax, acacia honey and light herbal notes reminiscent of chamomile and verbena, rounded off by coconut and soft oak. The finish is long and concentrated, with liquorice-and-anise-tinged peat, a touch of eucalyptus, saline coastal notes and delicate green tones like courgette blossom and pea shoots.
This is a whisky for those who love the waxy, fruity, maritime style of Clynelish but would like an extra layer of smoke, depth and complexity. It shines as an evening dram in a tulip-shaped glass, with or without a few drops of water, and pairs beautifully with smoked or grilled dishes, firm cheeses – or simply enjoyed on its own in good company.
Key facts:
– Type: Single malt Scotch whisky (Clynelish), Compass Box limited edition
– Casks: First fill bourbon with a finish in ex-Bowmore casks
– ABV: 50%
– Volume: 70 cl
– Style: Fruity, coastal, subtly smoky with clear oak and spice character
