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Since its founding in 2000, Compass Box has taken the boutique Scotch whisky scene by storm, thanks to their innovative approach to their craft. "Different from a distillery, more than a blender" is how they style themselves, and that decription succinctly captures what they do. Working with an incredible range of stocks from Scotland's most admired distilleries, the blending team at Compass Box sets out to create highly distinctive, specific profiles that capture the nearly endless array of possibilities within the Scotch category.
In their core line-up, the Crimson Casks is a world-wide fan favorite, blended from impeccable stocks distilled at such esteemed facilities as Glen Moray, Benrinnes, and the "Distillery near the the town of Aberlour" (wink, wink) among others. With two-thirds of the blend comprised of oloroso sherry casks, along with some prime ex-bourbon and Spanish red wine casks thrown in for good measure, it's a luxurious, pleasure-packed dram that fulfills all the promise of its name. Big, boisterous, dark fruits, deep chocolate, resonant toffee, and all manner of sweet and spicy treats are on full display in a thrillingly complex profile that garnered 95 points from Wine Enthusiast to go along with 93 points and a Top 20 Whiskies of 2024 honor from Whisky Advocate. Now, with our best-in-market pricing, you can jump in on this singular Scotch stunner that delivers as much bang for the buck as anything out there.
With the nearly the entire Scotch whisky world at their disposal, the brand is also well-known for their vast array of highly limited expressions. Made in a single run of approximately 9,700 bottles, Secrets of Smoke is their ode to the incredible nuance and detail of peated whisky, a special concoction that essentially takes their beloved Peat Monster blend (predominantly Caol Ila and Laphroig) to the next level. For Secrets, the PM forms a third of the blend, with another third comprised of a single, first-fill Palo Cortado butt from Caol Ila, along with a good portion from a first-fill Ardmore hoggie, and another dash of Laphroaig in a first-fill marsala barrique. The finished product is indeed "one to savor over time" as Whisky Advocate notes. After all, Secrets is all about driving home the idea that there's so much more peated whisky than the smoke. Like the Crimson Casks, this limited-edition standout is available to you at one of the sharpest prices in the market. |