Compass Box The General
Compass Box The General, 53,4 %
Compass Box is an innovative independent bottler, often delighting and surprising consumers. They are perhaps best known for the blended malts (vatted malts), but have also released some very good blends. Compass Box The General is rather special in that is is very old and in the fact that the specific contents are a mystery.
Compass Box have revealed that it consists of two blended whiskies, each blended at a young age then left to mature in casks. These two blends have then been blended by Compass Box. One of the two blends has been revealed to be 33 YO, while rumors say the other blend is a 40 YO. Both bourbon and sherry casks have been used in the maturation.
Compass Box The General was bottled an released in November 2013, in a limited run of 1678 bottles. The name is said to be taken from the 1926 silent movie The General, directed by and starring Buster Keaton.
This blended whisky is more or less sold out. I have managed to find it at a couple of online retailers, at around GBP 250. Most likely you will have to look for it at online whisky auctions.
Nose (21/25): Relatively shy at first. The general ponders his next move, I think. There are small and precise scouting missions in a few directions, but you certainly sense there is an overall plan to it. Sherry fruits, mild spices, honey, leather, and also some lighter fruits.
Taste (23/25): Very soft on the palate, but with a massive 'assault' on the taste buds. The general goes for an all out attack now. A whirlwind of fruits and spices! Pepper, ginger, cinnamon, apples, oranges, and a hint of licorice.
Finish (22/25): Very long, soft, calming. The battle is over. The general has won, peace is restored. All is well. Apples still, now served with cinnamon flavored caramel sauce. Some oak and leather appear just as it fades away.
Balance (22/25): A massive, rich and complex blend. When the taste hits you the first time, it is almost overwhelming, but in a good way.
Score (88/100)
Sláinte! - Thomas
