Compass Box Enlightenment

Malt Mileage Rating: ★★★★

Type: Blended malt whisky

Origin: Scotland

ABV: 46%

Bottled: April 2016

Compass Box Enlightenment has been produced in response to EU and UK regulations which make it unlawful for a producer of whisky to disclose to consumers the age of the different whiskies that make up the “recipe” of a whisky. The name of the whisky is inspired by the great minds from the Age of Enlightenment (~1620 to~1789), who advocated the virtues of using reason.

The whisky is designed to encourage industry to consider (perhaps by use of reason?) the absurdity of a system that prevents producers from telling consumers exactly what goes into the whisky they are drinking. 

Compass Box Enlightenment is a blended malt Scotch whisky that is made up of four different malt whiskies: 48.2% of it is malt whisky from Clynelish which has been aged in first fill American oak barrels, 36.7% of it is malt whisky from Glentauchers  which has been aged in first fill American oak barrels, 10.8% of it is malt whisky from Balblair which has been aged in first fill American oak barrels, and 4.3% of it is malt whisky from Mortlach which has been aged in rejuvenated American oak barrels.  It is a limited edition release with 5,922 bottles available worldwide. 

On the nose the whisky has an intricate mix of  fresh green pear, vanilla sponge cake, shortbread and honeyed toasted oats, with a curious “minerality” wine lovers would adore and herbal hues. On the palate the whisky is medium bodied, with impressive layers of depth to explore – orange peel, lemon myrtle, pepperberry and ethanol impress a gin-like taste with hints of salinity, and these flavours fade to the drying grip of fine oak tannins and spices. The finish is peppery,  with eucalyptus, tobacco, grapefruit rind and undertones of mandarin. Despite being medium-bodied, the whisky is fresh and vibrant.