Compass Box Eleuthera Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

Compass Box is a specialist Scotch whisky company founded in 2000 devoted to making some of Scotland's most unique whiskies through the art of blending. John Glaser, Whisky Blender & Company Founder, runs Compass Box in a similar fashion to fine wine negociants. The company chooses individual casks of whisky from different distilleries that offer complementary sets of flavours. They then carefully blend these casks in small batches to make proprietary whiskies. A range of types of Scotch whisky are bottled: malt whiskies, grain whisky, malt & grain blends from twelve distilleries across Scotland. Compass Box is also renowned for having (arguably) the industry’s highest quality standards for oak cask selection. When one considers that oak is responsible for up to 70% of the flavour of a mature whisky, one understands their mania. Only 100% American oak is used (predominantly first-fill casks). The colour of all the Compass Box whiskies is the natural colour of the whiskies from the casks. No caramel colouring is added. The whiskies are also not chill filtered (a cosemtic process which strips flavour and texture from the whisky). As John Glaser says, “Hazy whisky is a good sign that the whisky maker wants you to taste everything the whisky has to offer.” These are indeed alluring whiskies for the free-thinking enthusiast. Limited stocks have arrived in Australia. Each is a must try.

This whisky, like all vatted malts, is made by marrying 100% single malt whiskies from different distilleries. Compass Box Eleuthera Malt is a combination of 18 year old Glenlossie, 12 year old Caol Ila and 12 year old Clynelish single malt whiskies. Eleuthera was awarded a double gold medal at the prestigious San Francisco World Spirit’s Competition.

Tasting note: Nose: A hearty whiff of marine air with phenolic notes in the background. White currant and lemon zest. Tender vanilla echoes. Palate: Silky. Coating. Oily mouthfeel. Sea lettuce. Finish: Big, warm, exploding waves of spices. Water disciplines the outburst. Comment: Hold your glass to your ear and listen to water lapping against the tarred boat hull.46% Alc./Vol.Rating: 85 - tasting note sourced from Martine Nouet, www.whiskymag.com