Scottish whisky maker Compass Box has announced the release of Brûlée Royale, a limited-edition blended malt that transforms the classic French dessert crème brûlée into liquid form. The release marks the company’s 25th anniversary and follows their previous limited edition, Nectarosity.
Compass Box Brûlée Royale Draws Inspiration from Versailles Kitchens
The new expression takes its inspiration from 17th-century chef François Massialot, who invented crème brûlée in the Palace of Versailles kitchens. According to the company, Massialot developed the dessert using a radical process that involved caramelizing sugar with a white-hot fireplace shovel.
“The secret to Brûlée Royale is a less-is-more approach. Stripping back even more. Tasting the blend, over and over. The unwavering quest for that just-right finish,” said Samuel Travers, Compass Box master blender. “The search for a clean, clear backbone in which every note plays a critical role. And where the silences and spaces mare precisely dosed, too.”
The blend combines four single malts selected for their complementary qualities. The core features a seven-year-old Clynelish matured in second-fill American oak barrels. This is supported by 17-year-old Benrinnes aged in first-fill bourbon barrels, Speyburn from 2000 aged in refill American oak hogsheads, and 21-year-old Ardbeg matured in recharred American oak barrels.
Precise Charring Process Central to Compass Box Brûlée Royale Creation
The whisky’s distinctive character comes from Compass Box’s collaboration with Independent Stave Co. cooperage in Missouri. The American white oak casks undergo controlled toasting and charring along a calibrated temperature curve. This process draws out flavors of buttery caramel, roasted peach, and lightly spiced molasses.
The official tasting notes describe an instant impression of crème brûlée, poached pears, and vanilla pods. The palate offers rich crème fraîche, honeyed malt, and grilled peaches with toasted tarte tatin and fresh custard. The finish features silky milk chocolate, nutmeg, burnt caramel, and banana split.
Bottled at 49% alcohol by volume, the 700ml limited edition will be available from October 1st, 2025, at $160 (€135, £117). Distribution includes La Maison du Whisky stores, select wine merchants, and online at www.whisky.fr.
The packaging features label artwork inspired by the Versailles kitchen scenes, showing chef Massialot about to create the first crème brûlée. This visual narrative reinforces the whisky’s connection to culinary innovation and craftsmanship.
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