Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

Name: Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Brand: Compass Box
Price: 79.99 USD
Availability: InStock

750ml & 92 Proof

Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a Whiskey from the Compass Box Whisky brand hailing from Scotland.

What is Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky?

Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is a unique expression that combines Highland single malts aged in custom-made French oak barrel heads, resulting in a rich, spicy profile. Interestingly, this whisky was initially banned by the Scotch Whisky Association due to its innovative aging process, but Compass Box reformulated it to comply with regulations while maintaining its distinctive character.

Why do we love Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky?

Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky stands out for its innovative use of French oak inner staves, which impart rich spice notes and a uniquely complex flavor profile. This technique was initially banned by the Scotch Whisky Association, but Compass Box's persistence led to a reformulation that maintained the whisky's distinctive character while adhering to regulations, making it a testament to creative craftsmanship in the world of Scotch.

How do you drink Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky?

Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky shines when sipped neat or with a splash of water to unlock its complex spice and vanilla notes, though it also performs admirably in spirit-forward cocktails that highlight its robust character. This versatile dram is a year-round pleasure, but its warming spice profile makes it particularly appealing on crisp autumn evenings, paired with rich, savory dishes like roasted meats or aged cheeses.

$79.99

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Tasting Notes

How It's Made

Fun Facts

Product Details

Nose: Vanilla and oak lead, with hints of cinnamon and nutmeg. Subtle notes of baked apple and pear emerge, followed by a touch of honey. Faint wisps of smoke and leather add complexity.

Palate: Rich and full-bodied. Toasted oak and vanilla dominate initially, giving way to warm baking spices like clove and ginger. Dark chocolate and dried fruit flavors develop, reminiscent of Christmas cake. A slight nuttiness appears, akin to toasted almonds.

Finish: Long and warming. The spices linger, particularly cinnamon and black pepper. Dried fruit sweetness balances the oak tannins. A hint of cocoa powder and a whisper of peat smoke round out the experience, leaving a pleasant dryness on the tongue.

Compass Box The Spice Tree is crafted by blending single malt whiskies from the Highland region, with a focus on malts from Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Teaninich distilleries. What sets this whisky apart is its unique aging process, where the blended spirit spends additional time in casks fitted with new French oak heads, imparting rich spice notes and a complexity that earned the whisky both praise and controversy in the Scotch world.

Compass Box's The Spice Tree was temporarily banned by the Scotch Whisky Association in 2006 due to its innovative use of French oak inner staves, which were deemed "non-traditional." The company had to reformulate the whisky, leading to today's version that uses custom-made cask heads instead.

Unlike most blended malts that mix whiskies from various distilleries, The Spice Tree uses only three Highland single malts: Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Teaninich. This limited selection allows for precise flavor control and consistency.

The Spice Tree's unique aging process involves a "double-barrel" technique where the whisky is first matured in traditional oak casks, then finished in barrels with heavily toasted new French oak heads. This imparts intense spice notes without overpowering the whisky's natural character.

Main Ingredient: Malted Barley
Country of Origin: Scotland