Discover the Compass Box Limited Edition Experimental Grain Whisky Blended Scotch Whisky—a boundary-pushing release crafted in just 6,142 bottles. Bottled at 46% ABV with natural color and non-chill filtered, this limited edition whisky redefines grain whisky by blending parcels from Cameronbridge, North British, and a unique smoky, peated malted barley spirit from Loch Lomond, distilled in a copper Coffey still. The result is an enticing aroma of banana, toffee, and savory barbecue smoke, followed by a soft, oily palate of almond, vanilla, and a finish reminiscent of herbaceous burnt pine cones. Ideal for adventurous whisky lovers, this paradoxical Scotch bursts with creative flair, offering a complex, flavor-rich profile that’s perfect for savoring during rare moments of sunshine and rain alike.
Compass Box Limited Edition Experimental Grain Whisky Blended Scotch Whisky
Discover the Compass Box Limited Edition Experimental Grain Whisky, a boundary-pushing blended Scotch whisky that redefines convention. Crafted for adventurous palates, this limited release of only 6,142 bottles presents a creative twist on grain whisky, blending innovation, tradition, and vivid flavor.
Process & Profile The Experimental Grain Whisky from Compass Box is built around an unconventional approach: it features a parcel from Loch Lomond Distillery, made with 100% peated malted barley but distilled in a copper Coffey (column) still—precluding it from being classified as a single malt despite having the same grain bill. Instead, this spirit becomes the heart of a unique blended grain Scotch whisky, reflecting Compass Box’s penchant for paradox and experimentation. The blend incorporates:
- Loch Lomond’s peated malted barley grain whisky
- Grain whiskies from Cameronbridge and North British distilleries (aged in re-charred American oak)
- Compass Box’s own Hedonism blended grain as a flavorful accent
Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and presented in its natural color, this whisky maintains the integrity and transparency that Compass Box is celebrated for. Each bottle’s packaging highlights the spirit of innovation, adorned with sticky notes and creative cues that stand out among more traditional designs.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Expect an appetizing bouquet filled with banana, toffee, tropical fruit, and vanilla, mingling with soft smoky aromas reminiscent of barbecue, hints of rum, raspberry, and a subtle herbal-moss undertone.
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Palate: The texture is soft, oily, and creamy. Flavors of almond and vanilla yield to an evolving profile of fudge, chocolate, pudding, and a curious note of burnt pine cones, underpinned by fruit—mango, dried apples, and honeydew—balanced by gentle peat and a touch of sweet barbecue smoke.
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Finish: The finish is mid-long, offering lingering hints of pear, oak, toffee, and a faint oily smoke, with zesty, fruity notes that slowly give way to a savory piney character.
What Makes It Special
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A Rule-Breaking Blend: By using a pot-still-style malted barley whisky distilled in a column still, Compass Box blurs the lines between grain and malt, creating a whisky that’s “just a pot still away from being a single malt”.
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Paradoxical Character: The whisky expertly balances classic grain creaminess with smoky, herbal, and fruit-driven flavors rarely found in blended grain Scotch.
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Limited Edition: With only 6,142 bottles released globally, this is a collector’s item and a must-try for fans of innovative Scotch whiskies.
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Natural Integrity: Bottled at 46% ABV, with no chill filtering and no added color, ensuring a pure, unadulterated whisky experience.
How to Enjoy Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky is versatile but shines brightest when savored neat to appreciate its contrasting aromas and flavors. Try the following:
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Neat: Let the whisky breathe in the glass to unlock its paradoxical aroma. Enjoy small sips to trace its evolving palate.
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With Water: Adding a splash of room temperature water elevates the subtle smoky notes and brings forward more fruit and herbal complexity.
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Paired: Its unique character pairs well with mild cheeses or charcuterie, as well as desserts with vanilla or fruit bases.
Suitable for rare moments—think sunshowers or unique gatherings—this whisky invites you to celebrate the art of the unexpected in every dram. Embrace the inventive spirit of Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky—a limited-edition blend redefining what Scotch grain whisky can be.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky unique?
Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky stands out because it features a blend of grain whiskies from several distilleries alongside a distinctive component: whisky made at Loch Lomond Distillery from 100% peated malted barley, but distilled in a copper Coffey (column) still. This innovative approach means it cannot be called a single malt—despite being made entirely from malted barley—so it's classified as a grain whisky, creating a paradoxical and unique flavor profile.
What are the main flavors and aromas in this whisky?
Expect a complex, appetizing aroma with notes of banana, toffee, soft barbecue smokiness, rum, raspberry, and vanilla. On the palate, you'll find almond, vanilla, milk chocolate, nougat, and subtle herbal and smoky qualities. The finish offers gentle spice, spearmint, and lingering floral notes, with traces of peat smoke emerging toward the end.
Which distilleries contribute to the blend?
The Experimental Grain Whisky blend features parcels from four sources: - Loch Lomond Distillery (peated malted barley, Coffey still) - Hedonism Blended Grain (Compass Box) - Cameronbridge Distillery (single grain) - North British Distillery (single grain) This combination brings together both traditional and unorthodox elements, resulting in a truly innovative Scotch.
How limited is this release?
This is a limited edition bottling, with only 6,142 bottles released worldwide, making it a collectible expression for whisky enthusiasts.
What is the ABV and production style of this whisky?
Compass Box Experimental Grain is bottled at 46% ABV. It is non-chill filtered and bottled without added coloring, ensuring a natural presentation of its flavors.
Is this whisky smoky?
The whisky does have a gentle smokiness, mainly due to the peated malted barley component from Loch Lomond Distillery. However, the smoke is subtle and well-integrated, complementing the sweeter and fruitier aspects of the blend.
How should I enjoy Experimental Grain Whisky?
This whisky can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its nuanced flavors but adding a splash of room temperature water can help lift the smoky notes and further reveal its complexity.
What is the story behind the name “Experimental Grain”?
The name reflects Compass Box’s boundary-pushing approach. By including a grain whisky made entirely from peated malted barley distilled in a Coffey still, the blend challenges traditional Scotch whisky definitions and explores the creative possibilities in grain whisky production.
What type of whisky is this?
Compass Box Experimental Grain is a blended grain Scotch whisky. This means it is a blend of single grain whiskies from multiple distilleries, rather than a mix of malt and grain whiskies. Its innovative recipe also includes a high proportion of malted barley-based grain whisky, which is unusual for this category.
Is this a good gift for whisky enthusiasts?
Absolutely—its limited availability, innovative production, and complex flavor profile make it a standout gift for whisky aficionados, collectors, and anyone interested in exploring new territory in Scotch whisky.
Does it come in special packaging?
Yes, the packaging features colorful printed sticky notes with design elements inspired by the spirit of experimentation behind the whisky, setting it apart on any shelf.
