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Compass Box Crimson Casks Review

Compass Box's Crimson Cask delivers a spice-forward sherry bomb with notes of fizzy cherries, chili chocolate, and fajita peppers. This 46% ABV blended malt showcases the brand's "Cask is King" philosophy through first-fill oloroso sherry maturation.

OVERALL RATING

8
$60
  • Jeff, a UK-based whisky reviewer with a lighthearted approach.
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Tasting Notes

About:

With the mantra of “Cask is King” as the driving force behind the Compass Box Crimson Cask release this 2024 core range bottle revolves around sherry led maturation.

The majority of this blended malt has been matured in first-fill oloroso sherry-seasoned butt with stock coming from; Glen Moray, Benrinnes, Teaninich while still retaining some mystery with just over 35% being from “the distillery near the town of Aberlour” and 7.3% from a “Highland malt blend aged in a custom French oak barrel”

A fully natural release with no chill filtration and no added colour and bottled at a respectable 46% ABV.
Appearance:
A deep burnt burgandy colour.
Nose:
The nose opens with a burst of the fizzy cherry sweets that you can find in Haribo Tangfastics and is quickly followed by a warm aroma of deep spicy oak.

There is this unusual but intriguing note which really reminds me of Snaps Spicy Tomato Crips of tomato and pepper flavoured UK savoury crisps. There’s also a much more gentle floral character buried in the black pepper woven with a slightly herbaceous edge.

Finally, a bar of luxurious chili dark chocolate giving this rich, spiced, deep aroma.
Palate:
The first sip really hits with a lively and punchy chili spice that gradually builds into a deeper, warming heat. Fajitas overly stuffed with fried red peppers brings a slightly smoky yet sweet dimension, which has a slight gunpowder hint. Plums and hoisin sauce adds this umami richness and complexity which builds with more fruit notes. Juicy cherries and zesty oranges help to balance the spice with further sweetness.

A real creamy texture which is reminiscent of melted butter atop of spicy crackers. It really is a spice sensation.
Finish:
The finish is certainly warming and is rounded out by a satisfying and earth nutty note akin to honey roasted cashew nuts. A long and lingering, sweet-spiced warmth lasts for a while.
Comments:
Crimson Casks is a great choice for people who are curious about how different types of barrels can shape the flavour of whisky, especially those who enjoy rich and layered styles. I only tried this before at a packed whisky show and ruled this out as a one note spiced wood punch but after a few glasses this may have become my new favourite in the range. As close as you can get to chili jam in the glass.

Editor’s Note: This whiskey was either bought as a sample by The Whiskey Wash or provided to us as a review sample by the party behind it. Per our editorial policies, this in no way influenced the outcome of this review.

Pete "Jeff Whisky" Jeffery

Based in the South West of the UK, Jeff brings an irreverent and laid-back approach to whisky reviewing, dispelling any notions of snobbery surrounding the spirit. With a genuine enthusiasm for exceptional drams, he often embraces the whimsical side of whisky. Jeff's tongue-in-cheek whisky content has earned him recognition in the Malt Whisky Yearbook, and he has contributed articles and reviews to numerous whisky platforms.

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