Compass Box The Story of the Spaniard is an interesting blend of malts - many matured in sherry or wine casks. Containing Aberlour, Teaninich, some highland malt, Deanston and Glen Elgin malts. It is named The Spaniard after the Spanish wine casks Compass Box works to source for releases like this, which hit once or twice a year.
This was fairly enjoyable. The nose was interested and then the taste was as well, albeit in a different manner. It’s a bit thin but I could see myself reaching for a pour of this as a change of pace type pour.
The ruthlessly efficient palate has red wine notes, spicy chili heat, and an almost fanatical devotion to the pepper. Pour a glass and fetch the cushions.
Even Compass Box encourages using this one for cocktails, and I can see the sherry notes standing up well in a mixed drink. As a sipper, it’s not quite on par with others in the core range.