Compass Box Great King Street Experimental 00-V4

The idea behind the Great King Street Experimental Batches is that the customer can vote which one he likes best – this 00-V4 on sherry or the TR-06 on peat – which Compass Box will then bottle for a general release. A bit weird, imho, since already 3.439 bottles of this batch were released. That seems like more than enough as a release, no? The recipe of this 00-V4 is 28% Lowland grain whisky while the other 78% consists of Speyside and Highland malts with a dressing of Islay malt.

The nose is immediately very fresh and fruity and invites you to nose this for a long time. A malty heart is surrounded by stone fruit (plums, apricots, peach) and loads of citrus (oranges, lime). Mildlycandiedwith a twig of mint. A lot of ginger as well. Even a whiff of chili pepper and after a few moments a pinch of cinnamon. Yes, this is a very nice nose!

It could do with a little more body, but nevertheless the arrival is powerful and spicy with more sherry notes than on the nose. Again all about citrus and peach, but also a jam of berries. Raisins. Yes, there is a small amount of peat detectable.

The peat rears its head again in the medium long, spicy finish.

Very nice blend that can easily stand the comparison with many a malt. Vote at greatkingstreet.com/experimental.

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