Compass Box Affinity
A Blend of Scotch Whisky & Calvados
46% ABV
$125 – $150
Website
What the Blender Says
Classic flavours emerge from an unexpected kinship.
Sometimes in life there are two things with a shared nature, a kinship. They are somehow meant to be together, despite apparent differences. Such is the case, we believe, with Scotch whisky and Calvados.
Scotland and Normandy are both northern European; they share a cool, maritime climate. While one grows principally cereals, and the other is known for its apples, these agricultural products have a long history of usage together, especially in baking. We saw an opportunity for a new collaboration.
We have been blending Calvados with Scotch whisky at home and in our blending room for years. The flavour combination is classic: apples and spice riffing off dried fruits and vanilla. When we were able to source Calvados of the right quality, and in enough quantities, we decided to share our private experiments with the world.
Orchard fruit notes are common to both Calvados and Scotch malt whisky. Many Calvados producers double-distil in pot stills, just like their Scottish cousins. Maturation in French oak is another aspect of their shared DNA.
These two spirits share richness, sweetness and complexity; the Calvados lends an intensity and length to the finish which enhances the character of the Scotch whiskies.
Serve over ice, mix with amari and vermouth into a unique twist on a boulevardier, or pair with a deliciously sweet tarte tatin. We think you’ll agree that these two spirits really do have an affinity for one another.
What Gary Says
Nose: Spiced baked apples with honey, heather just off the sea coast, subtle note of banana, a winey note that hints at apple cider vinegar.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, apple wine with pears, vanilla, baking spices, hints of almonds and walnuts with a bit of pepper spice.
Finish: Long, rich with a nutty pepper spice.
Comments: The second limited edition ‘non-whisky’ from Compass Box recently – although if given it in a blind tasting, I might have guessed it as whisk(e)y finished in apple wine casks. It isn’t ‘un-whisk(e)y-like’ to me anyways, despite 37.5% of the blend being Calvados, which is an apple and/or pear brandy from Normandy in France. Whisky or not, it is definitely delicious, and dangerously drinkable.