Tasting Compass Box Flaming Heart (10th Anni. edition)

After the ‘Double Single’ we arrive at the second limited expression bottled for the 10th anniversary. The ‘Flaming Heart’.

This is a marriage of  Single malt whiskies from seven distilleries located in the northern Highlands and Islands. Primarily whiskies from distilleries located in the villages of Brora (probably  Clynelish ) , Port Askaig, Islay (Probably Caol Ila)  and the Isle of Mull – (probably Tobermory).

In terms of casks : 47% refill American oak, 34% first-fill American oak and 19% new French oak casks were used. It’s a rather limited edition as well with  4,186 bottles made.

Dramming! let’s go.

Compass Box Flaming heart 10th anniversary, limited edition 48.9% ABV , £72 / $80

Colour: light Gold

Nose: vanilla and fruit, intertwined with peat smoke, earthy peat and some brine. then back to the sweet malty notes as well as spices , vanilla and pepper. [I tried comparing this to Caol Ila 18 i have , and it’s a perfect match Islay wise… very similar notes.]   A peppery Kugel, made before Shabbat. wow.

Palate : Starting with an assault of spice (pepper) , then peat-smoke , tar, with cereal sweetness on the sides. great balance and harmony of tastes.

Finish : Long with smoke staying there for quite some time, a wee fruitiness .

Bottom Line:

Wonderful marriage of highlands  , Islands and Islay. Well made. great balance,and the interplay between peat smoke and fruit is lovely.

well done.

Deal Alert :

Now,Shoppers Vineyard has this baby up for $80. how do they do it? no idea (when the official price is almost 80 GBP!), if i were living in the USA, I’d get me 2 of those Stat. HERE (I am not affiliated with SV in any way!).

Thanks to Chris of the CB whisky company for this lovely sample.