Compass Box Flaming Heart 2018
Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
48.9% ABV
$130
Website
What the Blender Says
This is our sixth edition of Flaming Heart, a whisky born of oak, smoke and fire.
First released in 2006, Flaming Heart was the first whisky to combine the rich, complex spice of Scotch aged in new French oak with the evocative peat-red smoke of Islay malt.
It created a genre-defying style that was smouldering, spicy, complex – and so popular that we’ve re-released it five more times in the years that followed.
In this 2018 edition, we have reintroduced a subtle sherry-cask influence that adds an additional layer of complexity and richness. A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit.
It’s a whisky to enjoy late into the night, perfect served neat or paired with rich cheeses.
FLAVOUR PROFILE: A medium smoky-peaty base is enriched by a sweet maltiness and notes of baking spices and dried fruit. Full on the palate and very long on the finish.
SERVING RECOMMENDATIONS: This is a whisky to enjoy late into the night. Drink it neat or with water, or try pairing it with rich cheeses.
TECHNICAL DETAILS: Bottled at 48.9%. Natural colour. Not chill filtered. A limited edition of 15,050 standard bottles and 800 magnums. June 2018.
LEAD WHISKYMAKER: Jill Boyd, 2018.
What Gary Says
Nose: Smoke and peat with sherried fruit nuts under a fog of sea air, smoked meats and a touch of iodine.
Palate: Thick and creamy mouthfeel with peat smoke, stewed fruits – berries, plums, peaches – exotic spice notes with honey and a hint of anise along with a touch of sea salt.
Finish: Long and smokey with an ashy earthiness and hints of fruit.
Comments: Flaming Heart is one of my favorite offerings from Compass Box, and probably the brand I’ve bought more bottles of than anything else in terms of Scotch whisky. When I first discovered it in 2015 (although ironically finding a 2012 release!), I bought it based solely on a review I read (this one!) and my experienced lined up with Richard’s. I probably picked up a half-dozen bottles of the 2015 release over the course of 2 years (never bought more than 1 at a time!), so I did compared my sample of this 2018 edition (thanks Rich!) to that. Very similar for sure – this has maybe a touch more ash/smoke, and the 2015 has maybe a touch more fruit. When I did a blind side-by-side, I wasn’t sure I could tell any difference. If you like smokey, peaty whisky that has a nice balance of fruit and spice – I can’t see how this would disappoint.