Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow Blend

Nose: light but definite smoke. Sweet, gentle sherry. Touch of mothballs. Good, not outstanding.

Taste: extraordinarily light-bodied yet has a full Islay flavour. Rich peat and bonfire smokiness, followed by a light icing sugar sweetness and a bit of fruit (mostly apple). Closest comparison might be Caol Ila Distillers Edition.

Finish: long and peaty, as expected.

Balance: seemed a little off-balance at first but has really grown on me. A very interesting, delicate whisky, balancing blend and single malt characteristics. For those interested, the blend is 33% grain, 33% sherried Speyside (Aberlour?), 20% South Islay (Laphroaig?), with the rest made of up Clynelish and assorted Highland malts.

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