Compass Box Explores the ‘Unexpected Sweetness’ of Peated Malts With Latest Limited Scotch Release
Compass Box unveiled a limited whisky called the Secrets of Smoke. (Photo: Compass Box)
Compass Box announced on Monday the scotch whisky brand was rolling out its latest limited edition release, Secrets of Smoke. The 52% ABV whisky hosts a suggested retail price of $165 for a 700 ml bottle, and 9,792 bottles exist.
“Our limited editions allow us to spread our creative wings and concoct one-off expressions with unique recipes,” Compass Box Director of Whiskymaking James Saxon said in a statement. “With Secrets of Smoke, we wanted to build on the results of some of our cask experiments and enhance the unexpected sweetness of peated malts.”
The whisky is a stark difference from the brand’s core expression, The Peat Monster, in that its purpose is to highlight the other qualities of peated whiskies. The blended scotch brand shares it is a mixture of Caol Ila finished in Palo Cortado sherry butts, Peat Monster finished in second-fill red wine casks and Laphroaig finished in Marsala barrels. This blend showcases more fruity and floral qualities in the malts.
The bottle features a dark background with iridescent foil work representing the multiple flavors in the blend. Holographic details add layers to the image. Compass Box recommends pairing this whisky with sharp blue cheese, cherries and charcuterie for an elevated sipping experience.
In September, Compass Box announced that it was re-configuring its core portfolio.
The brand introduced two expressions, Nectarosity and Crimson Casks to its core lineup which already included Peat Monster and Orchard House.
Nectarosity is a pastry-inspired whisky, and Crimson Casks is a sherry-influenced scotch. The two whiskies completed the flavor profiles sought out by the brand and complemented Peat Monster’s rich smoke and Orchard House’s floral and fruity qualities, thus rounding out its portfolio.
Compass Box Secrets of Smoke Tasting Notes, via the brand
Aroma: The nose is full of toasted marshmallow honey and buttery pears.
Palate: Oily and spicy with stone fruit like pears, peaches and melons.
Finish: Chocolatey and peaty, lingers on and on.
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