Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
46% ABV
$150
Website
What the Blender Says
A grain whisky that’s only a pot still away from being a single malt
A grain whisky made only from malt? That’s also smoky? Paradoxical spirits are something of a calling card for the whiskymakers at Loch Lomond Distillery who operate their site with seriously open minds. We managed to source some of their peated, Coffey-distilled whisky to create a blended grain with a difference.
Experimental Grain Whisky is in many ways the alter ego to Hedonism, our signature expression. The smoke notes that the Loch Lomond parcel bestows are unlike anything we have used before: herbal, moss-like, clinging.
The majority of Experimental Grain Whisky is comprised of grains from the Cameronbridge and North British distilleries. They bring notes of fudge, vanilla and set honey. On top of this the younger whisky from Loch Lomond layers impressions of pine forests and patchouli oil.
Experimentation abounds throughout Scotland. For those who thought grain whisky was by default light and creamy, think again.
We have used a special parcel of whisky made at the Loch Lomond Distillery from peated malted barley, distilled in their copper Coffey still. Despite this being 100% malted barley, the use of a column rather than a pot still during distillation means this cannot be classified as a single malt – it is the perfect spirit around which to build a unique blended grain Scotch whisky.
FLAVOUR PROFILE
An appetising aroma of contrasts: banana and toffee mingle with soft, savoury barbecue smokiness and hints of rum and raspberry. Enjoy a soft and oily palate of almond and vanilla before a curiously delicious flavour of burnt pine cones develops.
SERVING ECOMMENDATIONS
A whisky for those rare downpours accompanied by bright sunshine, and other paradoxical phenomena. A splash of room temperature water will lift the unique smoky notes.
TECHNICAL DETAILS
Bottled at 46% ABV | Natural colour | Not chill-filtered
Blended Grain Scotch Whisky
A limited edition of 6,142 bottles; December 2021.
LEAD WHISKYMAKER: James Saxon.
What Gary Says
Nose: Tropical fruit, coconut, peach, vanilla, grapes, white chocolate, sandalwood, pine, subtle peat with a mineral note.
Palate: Creamy mouthfeel, fruity with honeydew, apples, coconut, malt, vanilla, hint of caramel, peat with a bit of pepper.
Finish: Moderately long with honey and melon.
Comments: Nice, pleasant, gentle, nuanced, layered, balanced – what you hope for, and often get with Compass Box. Few drops of water brings out more pine on the nose and more honey on the palate, and thickens up nicely as well.