Photo Credit - Compass Box
Compass Box Whisky has introduced a fresh twist to its core lineup, unveiling two innovative expressions: Nectarosity and Crimson Casks. These exciting new whiskies now join Orchard House and The Peat Monster, completing an evolved collection that offers something for every whisky lover.
James Saxon, Director of Whiskymaking at Compass Box, emphasized the brand’s vision of crafting a diverse yet cohesive range of whiskies, each appealing to distinct palates while maintaining high quality. “Our new collection takes drinkers on a journey, from exploring the character of the spirit, the impact of oak, through to peaty smoke and rich sherry influences,” Saxon shared. “There’s a whisky for everyone, but also a seamless Scotch experience.”
Nectarosity: A Tribute to Cask-Derived Sweetness
Nectarosity, one of the two new releases, is a sophisticated blended Scotch whisky inspired by high-end patisseries. Saxon describes it as a continuation of the lighter, fruit-forward profile seen in Orchard House, but now taking a bold step into the realm of cask-derived sweetness.
“After exploring the lighter, spirit-driven direction with Orchard House, it made sense for us to push into the richness offered by cask influence,” Saxon explains. “We approached this whisky as a patisserie would—delivering flavor with precision and creativity.”
The whisky derives its flavor from custom-toasted and charred virgin oak casks, which have been seasoned with grain and malt new make spirit. Nectarosity presents notes of vanilla, honey, coconut, and caramel, a result of over a decade of experimentation. Saxon notes, “We’ve been refining our grain-seasoning process for years, and it’s allowed us to capture even more honeyed sweetness from American oak than we had achieved with our first-fill ex-bourbon casks.”
Crimson Casks: A Symphony of Sherry and Oak
Crimson Casks, the second new release, is a rich blended malt heavily influenced by Oloroso sherry casks. The whisky’s intense richness and spicy finish are a testament to the expertise of Compass Box’s collaboration with sherry cask specialists, Jose y Miguel Martín of Jerez, Spain.
“Their high-tech approach to seasoning casks gave us the precision we needed to explore the transformative power of oak in whisky maturation,” Saxon explains. With a sweet and spicy profile, Crimson Casks celebrates the critical role oak plays in shaping whisky flavors, drawing inspiration from the mythical Forest King—symbolizing transformation through maturation.
“The oak, represented by a noble figure, brings out complex layers of nuttiness and spicy sherry notes,” says Saxon. This deep connection to the forest and maturation process is a reflection of how wood shapes the final product.
A Collection of Whiskies for Every Taste
Both Nectarosity and Crimson Casks join existing Compass Box favorites Orchard House, known for its fruit-forward blend, and The Peat Monster, a whisky that balances smoky and sweet notes. Together, these four expressions form a unified, yet diverse collection, each with its own story and flavor profile.
Saxon concludes, “Each whisky is distinct in flavor and character, yet they all share our signature style of balance and complexity. It’s about celebrating uniqueness while maintaining a common thread of quality and craftsmanship.”
