Frequently Asked Questions
Discover the bold character of Compass Box Glasgow Blend Blended Scotch Whisky, a masterful expression crafted for those who appreciate full-bodied, smoky Scotch. Inspired by Glasgow's historic taste for robust and flavor-packed whiskies, this blend features a high malt content (approximately 65%) and is matured in a selection of Oloroso Sherry butts, first-fill and refill bourbon barrels, and custom French oak casks. On the nose, expect enticing aromas of sherry, smoke, and subtle citrus, while the palate delivers rich notes of fruitcake, sticky toffee pudding, sweet spices, and a maritime peatiness from Islay malt, all balanced with a long, smoky finish. Non-chill filtered and bottled at 43% ABV with natural color, Compass Box Glasgow Blend shines neat, over ice, or as a spirited base in cocktails, making it a standout choice for whisky lovers seeking depth and authenticity in every sip.
Process & Profile
Compass Box Glasgow Blend is a masterfully crafted Blended Scotch Whisky designed to pay tribute to the full-bodied, smoky whiskies historically favored in Glasgow. The blend features a high malt content—about 65-67%—sourced from Islay, Highland, and Speyside malts, married with 33% Lowland grain whisky from a Fife distillery. This whisky is aged in a unique mix of first-fill Sherry butts, first-fill and refill ex-bourbon barrels, and a touch of new French oak casks, delivering natural color and robust structure—all without chill filtration. Bottled at 43% ABV, Glasgow Blend stays true to old-school whisky-making recipes while embracing Compass Box’s innovative, flavor-driven philosophy.Tasting Notes
Nose: Aromas of sherry and smoke merge with subtle notes of sweet hay, dried fruit, and a puff of coastal peat. Hints of vanilla, malt, and gentle floral undertones, reminiscent of both the sea breeze and gardenia, set a hearty stage. Palate: The first sip delivers bold, smoky richness, followed by flavors of sticky toffee pudding, fruitcake, and sherry wine. Expect layers of peat, sweet spices, vanilla cream, honeysuckle, and an umami, savory character. There is also a creamy, oily mouthfeel enhanced by notes of pepper, charred oak, and a background of salty maritime air. Finish: A lingering, smoky finish with warming pepper, dried fruit, sherry sweetness, and impressions of a coal fire.What Makes It Special
- High Malt Content: Nearly two-thirds malt whisky, inspired by 100-year-old Glasgow blending traditions for maximum flavor intensity.
- Unique Cask Regimen: Maturation in sherry butts, ex-bourbon barrels, and French oak ensures depth, complexity, and natural color.
- Bold & Smoky Character: A punchy Islay component brings classic peat smoke, complemented by sweetness and spice—perfect for fans of robust Scotch.
- No Chill-Filtration: Maintains mouthfeel and flavor integrity for a more authentic Scotch experience.
- Versatile, Contemporary Classic: Balances tradition and innovation, making it equally suitable for neat sipping, cocktails, or pairing with hearty foods.
How to Enjoy
- Neat: Pour into a tumbler or wine glass to enjoy the bold aromas and full-bodied profile.
- With Water: A splash of water opens up deeper notes of fruit, spice, and smoke, showcasing its complexity.
- Cocktails: The whisky’s weight and peaty backbone lend extra depth to classics like the Rob Roy or Penicillin.
- Food Pairing: Glasgow Blend shines alongside rich cheeses, cured meats, BBQ, and smoky or spicy dishes, thanks to its bold palate and robust finish.
- Any Occasion: Enjoy pre- or post-dinner, as a contemplative sipper or the anchor of a sophisticated whisky cocktail.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Compass Box Glasgow Blend unique compared to other blended Scotch whiskies?
Compass Box Glasgow Blend stands out for its bold, smoky character combined with rich sherry cask influences. It features a high malt content (about 65%), inspired by historical Glasgow preferences for fuller-bodied, more flavour-packed whiskies. This blend combines the spice and fruitcake notes from sherry casks with the maritime punch of Islay peated malt, resulting in a robust and complex flavour profile.
What are the main tasting notes of Glasgow Blend?
On the nose, you'll find aromas of sherry, smoke, and sweet hay, along with sea breeze and subtle floral notes. The palate delivers a combination of ashy minerality, vanilla cream, honeysuckle, red fruits, and a meaty, umami character, complemented by waxy texture and easy drinking style. The finish brings charred oak, peppered jerky, dried fruit, and lingering salty smoke.
What is the composition of Glasgow Blend?
This whisky is made from around 65–67% single malt whiskies sourced from Islay, Highland, and Speyside distilleries, blended with about 33–35% grain whisky from the Lowlands. It is matured in a mix of first-fill sherry casks, first-fill and refill bourbon barrels, and French oak casks. The blend is bottled at 43% ABV, with natural colour and no chill-filtration.
Is Compass Box Glasgow Blend peated?
Yes, Glasgow Blend features a notably smoky, peated profile due to the inclusion of Islay single malt in its blend. While not overwhelmingly peaty, it offers a pronounced smoky character that is balanced by sherried, fruity, and spicy notes.
How should I enjoy Glasgow Blend—neat, with water, or in cocktails?
Glasgow Blend is versatile. It can be enjoyed neat, with a splash of water to open up its aromas, or over ice. Its robust flavour and extra depth also make it an excellent component in whisky-based cocktails. The blend is recommended as both a pre- or post-dinner sipper and pairs exceptionally well with rich cheeses and cured meats.
Does Glasgow Blend contain any artificial colouring or is it chill-filtered?
No, Glasgow Blend is bottled with natural colour and is not chill-filtered. This ensures a richer mouthfeel and preserves the whisky’s full flavours and aromas.
When was Compass Box Glasgow Blend first released?
The Glasgow Blend was first introduced in 2014 as part of Compass Box’s core range, reflecting traditional Glasgow whisky preferences for boldness and smoke.
How does Glasgow Blend compare to Compass Box Artist’s Blend?
While both are blends from Compass Box, Glasgow Blend is fuller-bodied and significantly smokier, with pronounced sherry and peat notes. In contrast, Artist’s Blend is lighter, fruitier, and less smoky, offering more classic blended Scotch character. Glasgow Blend is ideal for those seeking complexity, depth, and a punch of peat in their whisky.
Is Glasgow Blend good for whisky beginners?
Though its smoke and boldness may not suit everyone’s taste, Glasgow Blend’s well-rounded profile and approachability make it a great introduction to peated blended whisky, especially for those interested in exploring smoky flavours in a balanced context.
What is the price range for Glasgow Blend?
Compass Box Glasgow Blend is considered an affordable premium blend, typically retailing around $40–$45 USD for a 750ml bottle, making it accessible for both daily sipping and special occasions.
What foods pair well with Glasgow Blend?
The blend’s rich, smoky, and sherried character makes it perfect with rich cheeses, cured meats, barbecue dishes, and even desserts with fruit or caramel flavours.
Does Compass Box disclose the distilleries used in Glasgow Blend?
While Compass Box is known for transparency, specific distilleries in the blend are not always disclosed for every batch. However, it typically includes malts from Islay, Highlands, and Speyside, and grain whisky from the Lowlands.
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