Search
Close this search box.

Independent Scotch Bottler Compass Box Releases A “Wilder Side” Blended Malt

Compass Box, a popular independent bottler of Scotch whisky, recently announced a new blended malt release the brand says is inspired by the wilder side of Scotch whisky – Menagerie.

With lead Whiskymaker James Saxon heading the new release, it stands as a blend of single malts from four distilleries: Mortlach Distillery, Deanston Distillery, Laphroaig Distillery and Glen Elgin Distillery, combined with Compass Box’s Highland Malt Blend that’s been aged for a number of years in custom French oak barrels.

Compass Box Menagerie
Compass Box Menagerie (image via Compass Box)

“Scotch whisky has a huge variety of flavour profiles – when whiskymaking, we pay attention to those parcels that deviate slightly from fruity, floral and spicy – ones that taste that little bit wilder than others,” Saxon said in a prepared statement. “And it is these strange and beautiful creatures that we have brought together to create our Menagerie.”

Official tasting notes describe a complex aroma of baking spices, leather, tar and musky fruit, with a palate containing even more fruit, while oily smoke and forest floor notes linger in the finish. Menagerie is bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered, with its natural color.

Priced at £90 ($125.55 USD) for a 70cl bottle, and with a limited release of 7.741 bottles, the distillery recommends enjoying the blended malt alongside a naturally fermented sour beer, or a cold slice of game pie. Menagerie is distributed globally.

Search
  • Latest News
  • Latest Reviews