Compass Box Orangerie

Compass Box Orangerie, NAS, 40 %

Here is a fun one for you. The Compass Box Orangerie cannot be called a Scotch whisky as it has added flavors, but it is still fun. So, I am making an exception. It's is almost Christmas, and oranges are in style this time of year, so you will just have to suffer through this. Either that, or go away and return tomorrow for a regular whisky.

Here is what John Glazer at Compass Box has to say about this particular Scotch whisky infusion:

Orangerie is made from smooth, sweet Scotch whisky infused with the hand-zested peel of Navalino oranges and subtle accents of Indonesia cassia bark and Sri Lankan cloves. We use a soft, sweet blend of Highland single malt and single grain whisky from Fife.

You can get the Compass Box Orangerie in Norway at NOK 545 (1697801), in Sweden at SEK 681 (8775301). Strangely expensive in Sweden compared to Norway, and quite rare to see such a difference, and in the UK at around GBP 30.

Nose (21/25): Soft, rich and quite Christmas-y, I would say. Reminds me of freshly peeled oranges and mandarins. Very fresh and fizzy - tickling my nose. Fun! Soft maltiness mixed with bananas and apples in the background. Like smelling a fresh cocktail with lots of oranges.

Taste (21/25): Soft, very soft, maybe a bit too soft? Then the oranges hit! Sweet and succulent, but now there's also an element of bitter oranges which gives it a bit more balance.

Finish (18/25): A bit too short for me, and the bitter oranges take over too soon. I would have wanted a bit more balance on the finish, and a bit more of the finish... But I do demand a lot sometimes.

Balance (19/25): A fun whisky infusion to serve as an aperitif before the Christmas party, perhaps?

Score (79/100)

Image from Master of Malt.

Sláinte! - Thomas