Frequently Asked Questions
Discover Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend Blended Scotch Whisky—a masterfully crafted homage to 19th-century blending with a modern twist, ideal for both connoisseurs and newcomers. This premium Scotch features a generous 55% single malt content blended with carefully selected grain whisky, matured in first-fill American oak, French oak, and sherry casks for a soft, creamy texture and nuanced complexity. Experience vibrant aromas of vanilla, apple blossom, and citrus, followed by flavors of creamy vanilla pudding, baked apple, raisin, and toasted oak, rounded out with subtle spice and a long, elegant finish. Bottled at 43% ABV, non-chill filtered and naturally colored, Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend is exceptionally versatile—delicious neat, on the rocks, or in cocktails, and acclaimed for its sophisticated yet approachable character that sets a new benchmark in blended Scotch whisky.
Process & Profile
Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend Blended Scotch Whisky is a tribute to Edinburgh’s creative spirit and Scotland’s rich whisky heritage. Created by John Glaser and the innovative team at Compass Box, this blend is crafted from a high proportion of single malt whiskies (around 55%) sourced from acclaimed distilleries such as Clynelish, Linkwood, and Balmenach, paired with aged grain whisky from Cameronbridge. Each component is matured in a careful combination of first-fill American oak barrels (for richness and vanilla), French oak hybrid barrels (adding spice and complexity), and sherry butts (providing gentle dried fruit notes). The result is a whisky that masterfully balances 19th-century blending inspiration with 21st-century cask innovation. Artist’s Blend is non-chill filtered, bottled at a robust 43% ABV, and retains its natural color for a pure and authentic Scotch experience.Tasting Notes
- Color: Light gold to amber, with a golden hue.
- Nose: Bursting with vanilla, baked apple, apple blossom, and floral meadow aromas. Subtle hints of fudge, cashew nuts, and freshly cut grass add depth.
- Palate: Smooth and creamy mouthfeel featuring vanilla pudding, ripe pear, apricot, and grain sweetness. Flavors of apple pie, raisin, toasty oak, and a dash of baking spice unfurl with each sip.
- Finish: Long, elegant, and creamy, with echoing notes of oat biscuits, warming spice (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), and a delicate undertone of gentle oak.
What Makes It Special
Compass Box Artist's Blend stands out because of its unusually high single malt content for a blended Scotch, resulting in enhanced richness, complexity, and character compared to typical blends. Transparency in sourcing and blending, along with the use of multiple cask types, ensures consistent quality and a multifaceted flavor experience. It is also non-chill filtered and naturally colored, respecting whisky traditions while pushing boundaries in creative blending. Artist’s Blend is lauded by both enthusiasts and bartenders for its versatility: complex enough to be savored neat, yet soft and approachable for mixed drinks and cocktails. Its balanced, crowd-pleasing profile makes it an ideal introduction to quality Scotch for newcomers and a reliable favorite for aficionados.How to Enjoy
Compass Box Artist's Blend is exceptionally versatile, making it suitable for any occasion:- Neat: Sip at room temperature to fully appreciate its nuanced aromas and creamy texture.
- With Water: Add a splash of water to open up subtle flavors and soften the whisky’s profile.
- On the Rocks: Enjoy over ice for a refreshing and slightly diluted take, perfect for warmer weather.
- In Cocktails: Its creamy, vanilla-rich character makes it a stellar base for whisky highballs, Old Fashioneds, and creative Scotch cocktails. Try with soda, apple juice, or ginger ale to complement its apple and spice notes.
- Pairing: Artist’s Blend pairs wonderfully with apple-based desserts, mild cheeses, or roasted nuts, highlighting its fruity and oaky undertones.
Frequently Asked Questions
What type of whisky is Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend?
Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend is a blended Scotch whisky, combining both single malt and single grain whiskies from select distilleries across Scotland. This blend results in a smooth, balanced, and approachable flavor profile that appeals to both new whisky drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts.
What are the main tasting notes of this whisky?
Artist's Blend offers aromas of fresh green apple, pear, vanilla, and cinnamon alongside subtle floral notes and a touch of honey. Its palate is creamy, featuring flavors of baked apples, butterscotch, malty sweetness, and a hint of salt, finishing with gentle spice and toasted oak.
How is Compass Box Artist's Blend matured?
This whisky undergoes maturation in a mix of first-fill American oak barrels, French oak hybrid barrels, and sherry butts. This careful maturation process gives the whisky its signature soft, fruity character with hints of vanilla, oak, and spice.
What makes Artist's Blend unique compared to other blended whiskies?
Artist's Blend pays tribute to 19th-century Scotch blending techniques while using modern maturation and blending methods. Compass Box is known for its transparency and innovative spirit, providing detailed breakdowns of both whisky and cask components to highlight the complexity and craftsmanship in every bottle.
What is the alcohol content of Compass Box Artist's Blend?
Compass Box Artist's Blend is bottled at 43% ABV, striking a balance between flavor intensity and smoothness.
Is this whisky suitable for cocktails or should it be enjoyed neat?
Artist's Blend is versatile and can be enjoyed neat, on the rocks, or as a key ingredient in classic cocktails such as the Scotch Highball or the Penicillin. Its creamy texture and approachable flavors make it ideal for both sipping and mixing.
Is Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend natural in color and unchillfiltered?
Yes, this whisky is bottled at its natural color and is not chill-filtered. This preserves maximum flavor and mouthfeel in the final product.
Who is behind Compass Box and when was the company founded?
Compass Box was founded by John Glaser in 2000. The company is recognized for its creative approach to whisky blending and its commitment to transparency and quality.
Where does the name "Great King Street" come from?
"Great King Street" refers to the location of Compass Box's registered office in Edinburgh, Scotland, tying the blend to the rich heritage of Scottish whisky making.
Is the whisky vegan and vegetarian friendly?
Yes, Compass Box Artist's Blend is suitable for both vegans and vegetarians.
Can you provide a breakdown of the components in the blend?
Artist's Blend consists of approximately 46% Lowland grain whisky (fruity/perfumed), 28% Northern Highland single malt (malty/fruity), 17% Northern Highland single malt (grassy/perfumed), and 9% Speyside single malt (meaty). The cask breakdown is about 66% first-fill American oak, 26% new French oak, and 8% first-fill sherry butts.
What occasions is Compass Box Artist's Blend best suited for?
The whisky’s smooth, versatile character makes it suitable for any occasion—whether you’re celebrating, hosting friends, or simply unwinding after a long day. Its balanced profile appeals to both newcomers and whisky aficionados.
Has Compass Box Artist's Blend received any awards?
Yes, Artist's Blend received a Gold award from the International Wine & Spirit Competition (IWSC) in 2023.
Unfortunately, we're unable to ship to PO Boxes and APO addresses.
Adult signature (21+) required upon delivery.
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