May the 4th: Compass Box Synthesis

I thought I had to make a post for this year’s May 4th. What would be better suited than a limited, boutique Blended Scotch from Compass Box? Unfortunately, this also means that I am sticking to the theme of ‘no-longer-available-whisky’ then…

 

 

 

Compass Box created the Synthesis for Maison du Whisky and their Antipodes Collection. This Blended Scotch consists of a 30 % share of two single grain whiskies, two Highland whiskies at a share of (29 %), as well as two Speyside whiskies (41 %). In the end, the limited edition is bottled at an ABV of 50 %.

Really contrasting whisky

The Compass Box Synthesis starts off with clear single grain notes. However, it soon evolves into something smoky and sherry-forward. Yet, you also can taste quite a lot of spicy notes underneath. This is not your easy sipping Scotch, but a rather complex blend of different styles which clearly evolve. Every once and a while the ‘Dark Side’ shows through with notes of peat smoke and charcoal. I enjoyed the bouquet of the whisky very much. However, the taste can make due with a little water or aeration to unluck its full potential.