Overview
Compass Box Spice Tree is a rich, bold blended malt Scotch whisky known for its intense oak spice and deep, warming character. Created using Highland single malts aged in custom-toasted French oak barrels, it showcases a beautifully layered complexity of baking spices, vanilla, and dried fruit. This whisky is ideal for those who enjoy full-bodied, spice-forward drams.
Appearance
- Color: Deep amber, reflecting its extended aging in heavily toasted French oak casks.
- Viscosity: Medium-to-heavy legs, suggesting a rich and oily mouthfeel.
Nose (Aroma & Complexity)
- First Impression: Bold and spicy, with a deep, warming oak presence.
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Detailed Notes:
- Fruity: Dried red fruits, orange peel, and dark cherries.
- Floral: Hints of heather and chamomile.
- Sweet & Malty: Honey, toffee, and vanilla bean.
- Woody: Rich oak, toasted coconut, and baking spices.
- Spicy: Cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, and clove.
- Smoky: No heavy peat, but a slight toasted wood char in the background.
Palate (Taste & Mouthfeel)
- Body: Medium to full, with a velvety, mouth-coating texture.
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Flavor Profile:
- Sweet & Malty: Caramelized sugar, honeyed cereal, and buttered shortbread.
- Fruity & Citrus: Dried figs, stewed apples, and a touch of orange zest.
- Spicy & Peppery: Prominent cinnamon, clove, black pepper, and nutmeg.
- Woody & Oaky: Deep, rich oak with layers of vanilla and charred wood.
- Peaty & Smoky: None, though toasted oak adds a slight smokiness.
- Mouthfeel: Oily, full-bodied, and warming, with a long-lasting spice.
Finish (Aftertaste & Length)
- Length: Long, warming, and spice-driven.
- Lingering Flavors: Oak spice, vanilla, cinnamon, and dark chocolate.
- Evolution: Begins with sweetness, then transitions to rich spice and oaky depth, ending with a lingering warmth.
Style & Region Influence
Compass Box Spice Tree is crafted from Highland single malts, showcasing a bold, oak-driven style influenced by innovative cask maturation.
- Highland Influence: Malty richness, deep spice, and complex oak character.
- French Oak Maturation: Enhances spice, vanilla depth, and a refined structure.
Final Thoughts
Compass Box Spice Tree is an exceptional whisky for those who love bold, spice-forward flavors with deep oak complexity. It’s perfect for sipping neat, with a few drops of water to open up its layers, or as an excellent base for a robust whisky cocktail. A must-try for fans of rich, full-bodied Scotch with an innovative edge.