Compass Box Phenomenology
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$170-$180
Website
What the Blender Says
‘Phenomenology’ – Noun. An approach that concentrates on the study of consciousness and the objects of direct experience.
Phenomenology and whisky. What, you may wonder, is the connection?
We’d long been working on a blend of single malts that combines seemingly dissonant flavour profiles, but together creates something compelling.
We landed on a recipe that elicited a surprising range of reactions and descriptions, each person taking away something different from the whisky.
Bottled at 46% | Not chill-filtered | Natural colour | Lead Whiskymaker: John Glaser
Rather than referring to our tasting notes and description of the aromas and flavours of this whisky, we invite you to first experience it for yourself without preconception. Describe the ‘phenomena’ of this whisky yourself, in your own words and ideas. Your experience is your own, personal, subjective experience. Relish it.
FLAVOUR DESCRIPTORS: Aromas and flavours reminiscent of berry fruits, baked apples and hints of banana, with a delicate peaty smokiness that follows and resonates in the long finish.
AVAILABILITY: Limited Edition release of 7,908 bottles worldwide. Bottled September 2017.
RECOMMENDATIONS: This is an ideal whisky for sipping and contemplating on its own, or with a splash of water or an ice cube, which will reveal the subtle complexity of the whisky as the whisky very slowly dilutes.
What Gary Says
Nose: Rich and bright, floral, grapefruit, peaches, green apples, nectarines, apricots, subtle peat brine.
Palate: Waxy citrus sweetness, apples, slight pepper bite gives way to bananas and nutmeg.
Finish: Moderately long, drying with wine notes and fading spices.
Comments: Quite a nice dram! Fruity without being lopsided with sweetness. Has a bit of a dry quality that reminds me a little of a Riesling. Improves a lot with some water, thickening the mouthfeel and bringing the fruit notes out more on the palate. Another really solid offering from the folks at Compass Box.