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New Compass Box Whisky Aged In Different Spanish Wine Cask Styles

Independent Scotch blended whisky specialist Compass Box is known for doing some rather innovative expressions across its portfolio. It is keeping with that tradition via the unveiling of The Story of The Spaniard, a bottling drawn from whiskies aged in different types of Spanish wine casks.

The Story of The Spaniard
The Story of The Spaniard (image via Compass Box)

The Story of The Spaniard, according to those behind it, is a blended offering that’s 48% aged in ex-sherry casks and 25% aged in ex-Spanish red wine casks.  The remainder are other cask types, and all whiskies within herald from a range of Highland single malt distilleries. More specifically,

  • Malt whisky made near Aberlour – first fill sherry butt – 40%
  • Malt whisky from Teaninich – Spanish red wine cask – 25%
  • Highland malt blend (Clynelish, Dalluaine, Teaninich) – custom French oak cask – 15%
  • Malt whisky from Deanston – refill sherry butt – 8%
  • Malt whisky from Deanston – refill hogshead – 7%
  • Malt whisky from Glen Elgin – re-charred barrels – 5%

The focus of this Scotch looks to be the creation of a new core range offering once or twice a year, depending upon the ability of Compass Box to source quality Spanish wine casks. It is casks from this region which are the theme for the whisky, allowing them to the ability to explore how either Sherry wine casks or Sherry-style wine casks can play a central role in flavor profiles.

“Whiskies aged in ex-Spanish Sherry casks are a favourite for many drinkers, and so we are excited to share our take on this much-loved style of Scotch whisky,” said Compass Box founder & whisky maker John Glaser in a prepared statement. “The addition of whiskies matured in Spanish red wine casks as well as those finished in new French oak add depth and complexity, resulting in a character we believe is distinctive.”

Plans call for the initial 43% ABV bottling of The Story of the Spaniard to price around £50, or about $65 USD. Limited official tasting notes suggest “full, soft and sumptuous on the palate with notes of citrus peel, red wine and spices. The finish is long, with hints of rich vanilla panna cotta, ripe berries and cherries.”

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