Compass Box Orchard House Shelf Review
Shelf Review
Designed to give you all the quick hit information you need when you’re standing in front of your local liquor store’s whisky shelf.
Today, it could be argued that Compass Box has become the best blending company in the UK. Led by former Jonnie Walker marketing director John Glaser, Compass Box has had an incredible rise to prominence since its founding in 2000. Built on a few core principles (prioritizing oak, the art of blending, and focusing on the natural color and flavors of whisky), Compass Box has created a fervent following. The fanbase of Compass Box has been growing recently, with a strong core lineup of whiskies now appealing to more types of whisky enthusiasts than ever before.
Today, we dive into one of their newest offerings – Compass Box Orchard House. Released in 2021, Orchard House is a blended malt whisky with stocks predominantly coming from Clynelish and Linkwood distilleries. Using natural color and non-chill filtration, this whisky comes in at 46% ABV and promises a gentler side to single malt. This sample bottle was part of a tasting set of 50ML minis that was purchased at K&L Wines in Hollywood.
Age: Non-Age Stated
ABV: 46%
Cask: First fill bourbon barrels, seasoned sherry casks and heavy toast French oak.
MSRP: $50
Distillery Name: Compass Box
Review Date: 12/26/23
Nose: Bright, fruity, and clean with a vibrant sweetness. Unripe melon, cut pears, warm vanillas mixed with a musty grassy note. After settling, caramel dipped carnival apples appear alongside some dusty new wood.
Palate: Apple tart with an underbaked pie crust. Bright and zesty, with lemon peel, green apple, honey, and confectioner sugar with a strong malty funk. Light and easy to drink, with a balanced and approachable mouthfeel.
Finish: Short to medium length finish with more malt funk combined with marzipan and pepper.
