Compass Box - Crimson Casks, Oak Cross & Nectarosity - 70cl - 3 bottles

Compass Box Oak Cross is an acclaimed Blended Malt Scotch Whisky created by the innovative boutique blending house Compass Box. Its name comes from the crossing ("cross") of influences from two different types of oak during maturation: American oak and French oak.
Important note: This whisky was officially discontinued at the end of 2021 due to the difficulty of sourcing the same malt components consistently over the long term. However, it can still occasionally be found at specialist liquor stores or specialist collector auctions.
Composition and Unique Process
Unlike standard blended whiskies, it contains no grain whisky—it is made 100% from single malt whiskies sourced from three Highland distilleries:
• Clynelish (approx. 60%): Provides the fruity base and a rich, almost waxy texture.
• Dailuaine (approx. 20%): Adds structure and rich notes.
• Teaninich (approx. 20%): Brings a fragrant, aromatic profile.
The Cask "Secret": The whiskies initially mature in first-fill American oak ex-Bourbon barrels. Then, about 40% of the blend is transferred into custom hybrid casks featuring American oak bodies and heavily toasted virgin French oak heads.
Tasting Notes:
• Alcohol Content: 43% ABV.
• Filtration: Natural color and non-chill filtered.
• Aroma: Highly fragrant, featuring notes of vanilla, honey, apple, pear, and subtle hints of sweet baking spices.
• Palate: Medium-bodied, soft, and well-balanced. The American oak provides vanilla sweetness, while the French oak adds a spicy kick reminiscent of clove and cinnamon.
• Finish: Long and clean, with a dry, spicy finish.
It was widely considered an ideal aperitif whisky due to its lightness and subtle complexity.
Compass Box Crimson Casks is a blended malt Scotch whisky that forms part of the revamped Core Collection from the renowned whiskymaker Compass Box. Launched to replace classic sherry- and spice-forward expressions (such as The Spice Tree and The Story of the Spaniard), this whisky celebrates the profound influence of wood on flavor, focusing on a remarkably rich, fruity, and autumnal profile.
Technical Specifications:
• Type: Blended Malt (composed exclusively of single malts, with no grain whisky).
• ABV: 46%.
Composition and Casks:
Compass Box is famous for its total transparency regarding recipes. The foundation of Crimson Casks relies on distillates from reputable malt distilleries:
• Primary Maturation: Predominantly aged in American oak seasoned with Oloroso Sherry wine (sourced from cooperages José y Miguel Martín), alongside a finishing period in Spanish red wine casks.
• Key Components: The blend features significant percentages of malts from Glen Moray, Benrinnes, and a distillery near Aberlour, giving it a dense and oily texture.
Flavor Profile and Tasting Notes:
• Nose: Highly aromatic, highlighting intense notes of red fruits, wild berries, toasted walnuts, and soft spices like cardamom.
• Palat: Described almost as a smooth "sherry bomb." It reveals flavors of chocolate fudge cake, plum compote, redcurrant jelly, and cherry toffee.
• Finish: Long and warming, leaving a trail of raisins, honey, brown sugar, cinnamon, and a dry touch of oak.

Compass Box Nectarosity is a Blended Scotch Whisky released in 2024 as part of the core range revamp by the boutique Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box. Created by Lead Whiskymaker James Saxon, this expression was inspired by the aromas of a French pastry shop (pâtisserie), featuring a distinctly fruity, sweet, and rich profile.
Below are the key technical specifications, composition, and tasting notes for this release:
Technical Specifications
• Alcohol by Volume (ABV): 46%
• Filtration: Non-chill filtered
• Color: Natural color, no caramel coloring
Composition and Maturation
True to the brand's philosophy of transparency, Compass Box provides a detailed breakdown of the recipe, which is structured at 64.3% Malt Whiskies and 35.7% Grain Whiskies:
• Grain Whiskies: Sourced from the Cameronbridge and Girvan distilleries.
• Malt Whiskies: Single malts from Clynelish, Linkwood, and Balmenach.
• Aging: Predominantly matured in first-fill American oak Bourbon barrels and custom virgin American oak barrels to maximize sweet note extraction, with a small portion of Linkwood matured in Sherry-seasoned casks and a subtle influence of Palo Cortado.
Tasting Notes:
• Nose: Highly aromatic and exuberant. Highlights include pollen, honey, peaches in syrup, apricot, fresh oranges, and lightly toasted, creamy vanilla nuances.
• Palate: Oily and full-bodied texture. It reveals tropical fruits (pineapple, lychee) combined with toffee flavors, vanilla syrup, cooked apple, and buttery notes reminiscent of puff pastry.
• Finish: Short to medium, leaving a sweet and warm trail of baking spices, reminiscent of a freshly baked cinnamon bun.