Distiller Notes
#5 Whisky Advocate Top 20 Whiskies of 2025
For this, Compass Box's 8th rendition, they have sought the most complex range of flavor from the fewest possible components. Whereas previous editions have featured a proportion of unpeated whiskies aged in bourbon or sherry casks, for this eighth instalment we have selected only peated whiskies and those extra-matured in custom French oak barrels.
Oak, smoke and fire in a pared-back but epic performance. Rich, oily smoke appears on the nose, supported by zingy spice. Hints of raspberry and apricot, with a cookie dough and miso depth, encircled by impressions of tarry rope.
On the palate, it is immediately dense as spices like clove, pink and black pepper and nutmeg arrive. Medicinal peat notes duke it out with bright and winey fruit. Finally, concentrated smoke that is at once woody and ashy with menthol and citrus oils.
Professional Ratings
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Whisky Advocate
The art of blending is on full display here. Lead whisky maker James Saxon marries single malts from Talisker, Benrinnes, and Laphroaig with a Williamson blended malt to create an oily, smoky dram, balanced with bright and tart pineapple, lemon, and lime on the nose and palate. While the peated whiskies assert their muscle, the palate is laced with delicate notes of snickerdoodle, whipped cream, and marzipan bringing balance and sweetness amid the smoke. There's depth and complexity from nose to finish, with the sip slowly fading like a beach bonfire burning out in an ocean breeze.
Originally created as a lighter alternative to Single Malts to appeal to the Americans during Prohibition, Blended Scotch Whiskies are a mix of both grain and malt whiskies that have been sourced from multiple distilleries and aged a minimum of three years in oak barrels. Nine out of every ten bottles of Scotch sold is a Blended Scotch Whisky and they are generally far more affordable than Single Malt Scotch Whiskies.