Compass Box Canto Cask 35

The Canto Casks from Compass Box form a unique series of 16 single casks that all contain the same whisky (a blend of three different malts), but were built from either American or French oak and each have a different toasting level. So this makes for 16 different results. Canto Cask 35 was selected by Maruzio Cagnolati of Arnolfini, Reggio Emilia in Italy. It was bottled in 2007.

The nose is quite rough at first. Some vanilla, white fruit and freshly sawn wood. The oak is prominent. It is well seasoned on nutmeg and cloves. Reminds me somewhat of toffee apples. Nice, but rather one-sided. It becomes a touch sweeter with a bit of water, but the oak also becomes more powerful.

On the palate, you first get quite an alcoholic kick to the teeth, before it turns nicely sweet. Sweet as in ubiquitous vanilla en some caramel. The spices are more pronounced than on the nose. Then turns slightly bitter towards the end. Diluted it is a lot more bitter, which is not an asset.

On the finish, the bitterness even dominates. Think walnuts and liquorice with a pinch of salt. Some woodsmoke at the death.

Nice whisky that mainly needs it from the story behind it. A rather straightforward malt. No cigar, but it certainly is good and entertaining.

Find where to buy Compass Box whisky