Whisky Review: Compass Box Oak Cross

Sweet and spicy off the bat. Ground black pepper, honey, and then a full load of ginger spice. This ramps up late in the palate and into the finish. Continued spicy ginger that virtually overpowers the burn. Burn is of medium intensity and relatively short. Lingering notes of black licorice candy. Very dry. Final Thoughts: Compass Box is one of those producers that scratches many itches I have regarding whisky. Aside from simply enjoying the many very-to-exceptionally good whiskies they create, I appreciate their approach to their craft in general. I have said again and again that a label cannot provide me with too much information on what it is I have just paid for and what I intend to take into my body. When it comes to Oak Cross, I have to admit it is the low point for me on the Signature Range spectrum. The label on the bottle is my blue and gold lining to this cloud. Top marks for design. The spice notes to me were out of balance with the more delicate nature of the flavors that accompany them. I can see where this release could be intended as a bridge between Asyla and Spice Tree, but I don’t think it quite holds up. While I appreciate the release for having as strong an individual identity as any from Compass Box, I don’t feel the blend is quite up to par with its label mates. Score: 82/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF COMPASS BOX OAK CROSS]