Compass Box The General

The newest star at the Compass Box firmament is this blend The General, offered in a nice perspex box. Very retro. This piece of art is composed of two old blends, which each were created decades ago themselves. The part on ex-sherry casks is 33 years old, the part on ex-bourbon casks no less than 40 years.

Ooh, succulent nose on wonderful dark and candied fruit. Reminds me of old Glenfarclas. Red fruit and autumn leaves. Antique shop. Acacia honey. Roasted coffee beans. Pineapple on the grill. Pear drops. Baked apples. Cinnamon. Coconut. Pinch of aniseed. Marzipan. Boy, this is feckin complex!

Wonderful attack that does not burn, despite the high ABV. It is syrupy on the palate and very spicy (thanks to said ABV). The fruit shines first, but a mild sour touch budges in. Velvety soft. Touch of woodsmoke. Twig of mint? No, it is mentholated, more like; Midpalate a nice dose of oak appears. Good balance. Exceptional.

The long finish remains fairly spicy.

Oh, no, I have just scored a blend a 90! Well, that says it all, eh? This was just released. Around 230 EUR which seems a lot for a blend (but then, this is very old whisky!). But what a treat!

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