Hedonism is the whisky with which the Compass Box blender made its name.
This blend of grain whiskies, conceived in 2000, has become a veritable myth. On the one hand, John Glaser, the founder of Compass Box, created the recipe in his kitchen; on the other, at the time, it was a minor revolution, as for the first time a blended grain whisky sought to rival the quality of conventional single malts.
Tasting notes from Thomas
The nose is pastry-like. Waxed wood is clearly present, but popcorn, egg cream, custard and cinnamon are very enterprising. Likewise, white flowers appear in dribs and drabs, starting with carnations and ending with lily of the valley.
Aeration brings out the vegetation (lichen). The forest freshness is now accompanied by a good dose of butter, a little chocolate and a touch of fruit (cranberries).
The palate is full of sweetness and seems quite dense despite the 43%. Egg cream with orange zest, popcorn and vanilla give it body. Meanwhile, varnished wood, cinnamon and clove offer a drier warmth. The result is a contrast full of personality. The second half of the palate retains the moderate bitterness of cranberries, orange zest and a hint of star anise.
The finish remains fairly measured yet intriguing. The vegetal aspect (cut grass) is coupled with vanilla and popcorn. There's also a touch of lemon, grapefruit, brown sugar and the freshness of lichen. Finally, a spicy, cereal-like impression remains.
" A grainwhisky that isboth immediate and well-constructed, between gourmandise, tender bitterness and freshness... "
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