Discover Compass Box Limited Edition Metropolis, the third creation in the Extinct Blends Quartet—a masterfully crafted blended Scotch whisky that pays homage to the vibrant spirit of city life and the iconic blends of yesteryear. Composed of rare stocks including nutty, biscuity Aberlour single malt aged in re-charred American oak, and select parcels from leading distilleries, Metropolis opens with alluring aromas of vanilla, honey, fudge, apricot, and pineapple. The rich, complex palate unfolds with layers of sultana, fresh fig, and subtle smoky woodiness, finishing long, sweet, and satisfyingly weighty. Bottled at 49% ABV with natural color and no chill-filtration, this limited edition release—just 5,910 bottles worldwide—captures the excitement and sophistication of the city in a glass, making it an essential choice for collectors and connoisseurs alike.
Process & Profile
Metropolis is crafted from some of Compass Box’s rarest and most distinctive stocks. The blend centers around nutty and biscuity single malt from the Aberlour Distillery, matured in re-charred American oak barrels. The full blend includes:
- 25.8% blended malt Scotch whisky aged in a refill sherry butt
- 25.1% Aberlour single malt in re-charred American oak
- 20.5% blended grain whisky aged in refill bourbon barrels
- 16.6% Miltonduff single malt in first-fill bourbon barrels
- 7.1% Bowmore single malt in refill bourbon
- 4.9% blended Scotch aged primarily in first-fill bourbon barrels
Bottled at 49% ABV, Metropolis is non-chill filtered and retains its natural color, preserving the whisky’s full complexity and mouthfeel.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Vanilla leads, followed by a medley of honeys, fudge, apricot, and pineapple, with fresh fig and a hint of creamy, floral honey. Gentle notes of stone fruit and sultana add intrigue, while a soft undertone of smoky wood balances the aromas.
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Palate: Rich and complex with prominent sultana and apricot, creamy vanilla, baked apples, and golden pears. Layers of buttery toffee, honeyed spices, and woody smoke intermingle with notes of cinnamon, clove, and toasted oak, building a luxurious mouthfeel.
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Finish: Long, sweet, and pleasingly weighted, with lingering fruit, honey, and a subtle, smoky undertone that fades gracefully.
What Makes It Special
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Historical Inspiration: Metropolis revives the blending techniques and styles of iconic Scotch blends from the 1970s, '80s, and '90s, many of which are now extinct. It is designed as a time capsule, capturing the ever-evolving character of urban Scotch whiskies.
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Rare Ingredients: Utilizes some of Compass Box’s most unique and seldom-seen whisky stocks, including parcels from revered distilleries such as Aberlour, Bowmore, and Miltonduff.
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Transparency & Innovation: Compass Box is renowned for its blending transparency and commitment to both tradition and creativity, delivering a product that respects the past while embracing modern craftsmanship.
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Collectible Rarity: Limited to just 5,910 bottles worldwide, Metropolis is a coveted release for collectors and aficionados seeking a distinctive addition to their whisky cabinet.
How to Enjoy
Metropolis is best enjoyed when celebrating life’s most exciting and vibrant moments. To fully appreciate its layered profile:
- Serve neat to experience the whisky’s complexity undisturbed.
- Add a large ice sphere to open up aromatic and flavor dimensions, enhancing the sweetness and subtle smokiness.
- Try it in a classic whisky cocktail, such as a Rob Roy, to explore its urban-inspired roots and complementary flavors.
Whether savoring slowly on a quiet evening or sharing with discerning company, Compass Box Metropolis delivers a sophisticated blend that honors the soul of the city—and the timeless spirit of Scotch.
Order your bottle of Compass Box Metropolis The Extinct Blends Quartet Blended Scotch Whisky to capture a piece of Scotch history with every sip.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compass Box Metropolis?
Compass Box Metropolis is a limited edition blended Scotch whisky and the third release in Compass Box’s Extinct Blends Quartet series. It celebrates the evolving history of blended Scotch by reimagining the style and spirit of classic blends from the past using rare and unique stock from various distilleries.
What makes the Metropolis blend unique?
Metropolis features a complex and layered recipe, including nutty and biscuity single malt from Aberlour aged in re-charred American oak barrels, alongside malts and grains aged in sherry and bourbon casks. The blend includes contributions from distilleries like Aberlour, Miltonduff, and Bowmore, creating a rich, city-inspired whisky with historic character.
What are the tasting notes for Metropolis?
On the nose, expect vanilla and a medley of honeys, followed by fudge, apricot, and pineapple, with fresh fig. The palate delivers sultana, apricot, and hints of smoky woodiness. The finish is long, sweet, and weighty, with lingering complexity.
What is the ABV and is it natural or chill-filtered?
Metropolis is bottled at 49% ABV, uses natural colour, and is not chill-filtered, preserving its full flavour and texture.
How many bottles were produced?
This is a limited edition release, with only 5,910 bottles produced worldwide.
When was Metropolis released?
Metropolis was released in September 2023.
What is the inspiration behind the Metropolis blend?
The blend pays homage to the historic blending houses in Glasgow and Edinburgh, where Scotch whisky earned its place in metropolitan life. Metropolis seeks to capture the vibrancy, diversity, and spirit of city living, reflecting the pivotal role cities played in the evolution of blended Scotch whisky.
How should I enjoy Compass Box Metropolis?
Metropolis is best savoured when life feels rich and exciting. For a classic experience, try it neat or with a large ice sphere to open up its layers of flavour.
Is Metropolis suitable for collectors and enthusiasts?
Absolutely. Its limited release, complex blend, and historical inspiration make it an excellent addition for whisky collectors and fans of Compass Box’s innovative style.
What is the bottle size?
Compass Box Metropolis is available in both 700ml and 750ml bottles, depending on the retailer and market.
Can you share details about the blend components?
Metropolis’s blend breakdown includes: - 25.8% blended malt Scotch aged in sherry butt - 25.1% Aberlour single malt in re-charred American oak - 20.5% blended grain aged in refill bourbon barrels - 16.6% Miltonduff single malt in first-fill bourbon - 7.1% Bowmore single malt in refill bourbon - 4.9% blended Scotch, mostly first-fill bourbon-aged
Is there an age statement on Metropolis?
There is no specific age statement; the focus is on flavour and character drawn from carefully selected aged stocks, in keeping with Compass Box’s philosophy of transparency and quality.
Who created the blend?
Metropolis was created by the Compass Box blending team, led by whisky maker James Saxon, under the vision of founder John Glaser to bring innovation and nuance to modern Scotch blending.
