Experience the extraordinary with Compass Box Limited Edition Ultramarine, the first release in the Extinct Blends Quartet—a masterfully crafted blended Scotch whisky paying tribute to the iconic sherried and peaty blends of the 1980s. Bottled at 51% ABV and limited to just 5,430 bottles, Ultramarine showcases mature malts from Caol Ila and Glendullan alongside aged grains from Cameronbridge and Girvan, elevated by rare pre-blended stocks. Aromatic notes of honey, polished oak, toffee, vanilla custard, and rich peat smoke lead to a sumptuous palate of roasted pecans, raisins, Chantilly cream, stewed apples, gingerbread, dried fruit, clove, and lingering sophisticated smoke. Presented in natural color and unchillfiltered, this collectible whisky delivers an impressively textural and powerfully flavorsome experience, perfect for connoisseurs seeking a modern reimagining of legendary Scotch blends.
Process & Profile
Compass Box Ultramarine is meticulously crafted in Richmond, London, under the direction of lead whiskymaker James Saxon. The blend features mature malt whiskies from Caol Ila and Glendullan, known respectively for their smoky, peaty backbone and lighter, fruity notes. These are perfectly harmonized with aged grain whiskies from Cameronbridge and Girvan, which provide textural smoothness and subtle sweetness. Carefully selected pre-blended stocks are also included, layering on further complexity and depth. Bottled at 51% ABV, Ultramarine boasts natural color and is non-chill filtered, preserving its full texture and myriad flavors. The resulting whisky is both flavorsome and impressively textural—a masterful orchestration of Scotland’s most esteemed distillery profiles.
Tasting Notes
Nose
- Enticing waves of earthy peat, antique oak, and elegant sherried smoke.
- Underlying aromas of honey, toffee, vanilla, dried banana chip, and lightly spiced pecan bars.
- Hints of polished oak and gentle florals interlace with caramel and subtle pipe tobacco.
Palate
- A warm, silky entry of toffee, malty chocolate, roasted pecan, and raisins.
- Rich smoke and deep-toned wood sugars, balanced by citrus, Chantilly cream, stewed apples, and gingerbread.
- Further notes of grilled peaches, spice, clove, and meaty smokiness, all intricately woven together.
Finish
- Lingering spices and smoke, with persistent tobacco, toasted nuts, and dried fruit.
- An elegant, medium-long finish that invites contemplation and repeat sips.
What Makes It Special
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Limited Edition: Only 5,430 bottles released globally, making Ultramarine highly collectible and sought-after among connoisseurs.
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Heritage-Inspired: The blend pays homage to iconic "deluxe" blended Scotches of the past, evoking the sherry-rich, peaty style adored in the late 20th century.
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Complex Craft: Composed from rare malt and grain whiskies sourced from legendary distilleries—Caol Ila, Glendullan, Cameronbridge, and Girvan—along with pre-blended aged stocks for unmatched depth.
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Uncompromised Quality: Bottled at 51% ABV, natural color, non-chill filtered, ensuring an authentic and robust drinking experience.
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Curated by Compass Box: Renowned for innovation and artistry in whisky blending, Compass Box’s Extinct Blends Quartet showcases their expertise.
How to Enjoy
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Neat: Savor Ultramarine neat in a generous glass to explore its intricate flavor layers and textural richness.
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With Water: A few drops of water can unlock additional dimensions of fruit, spice, and smoke, enhancing its complexity.
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Special Occasions: Due to its rarity and layered character, Ultramarine shines on celebratory occasions or as a showpiece in a curated whisky tasting.
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Reflective Sipping: This is a whisky for slow enjoyment—whether sipped from a hip flask overlooking Scottish cliffs or as an after-dinner luxury, it promises a transporting experience with every sip.
Elevate your collection and palate with Compass Box Ultramarine—a luxurious, limited-edition blended Scotch whisky that masterfully bridges the golden past and the dynamic present of Scotch blending.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compass Box Ultramarine?
Compass Box Ultramarine is a limited edition blended Scotch whisky, the first release in the Extinct Blends Quartet series. It pays homage to iconic deluxe blends of the late 1980s, especially those characterized by antique sherry and pipe tobacco notes.
What inspired the creation of Ultramarine?
Ultramarine is inspired by classic sherried blends from the late '80s, notably reimagining the style and flavor profile of luxury blends like Johnnie Walker Blue Label from that era.
Which distilleries’ whiskies are in Ultramarine?
The blend includes mature malts from Caol Ila and Glendullan, aged grains from Cameronbridge and Girvan, and various other malt and grain whiskies from Compass Box’s rare stocks.
How many bottles of Ultramarine were produced?
Only 5,430 bottles were released globally, making it a highly limited edition.
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume) of Ultramarine?
Ultramarine is bottled at 51% ABV.
Is Ultramarine chill-filtered or artificially colored?
No, Ultramarine is non-chill filtered and retains its natural color to preserve maximum flavor and texture.
What does Ultramarine taste and smell like?
Ultramarine offers aromas of toffee, antique polished oak, complex peatiness, and pipe tobacco, alongside notes of roasted pecan, raisins, smoke, vanilla custard, Chantilly cream, dried fruit, clove, and earthy peat on the palate.
Who is the lead whiskymaker behind Ultramarine?
James Saxon is the lead whiskymaker for this release.
Can I still buy Ultramarine?
As a limited edition with only 5,430 bottles produced, availability is extremely limited. It may be found through select retailers or specialist whisky shops while stocks last.
How is Ultramarine best enjoyed?
Ultramarine's layered and complex flavors make it suitable for savoring neat, either at home or during special moments, such as a coastal walk or after a memorable day out.
What is the Extinct Blends Quartet?
The Extinct Blends Quartet is a series by Compass Box that pays tribute to four classic blended Scotch styles from past decades, using some of their rarest whisky stocks to reimagine legendary flavor profiles.
What sets Ultramarine apart from other Compass Box blends?
Ultramarine is distinguished by its vintage inspiration, use of rare and mature whiskies, pronounced sherry and peat character, and limited edition status, making it a collector’s item for whisky enthusiasts.
Is Ultramarine suitable as a gift for whisky collectors?
Yes, due to its limited release, homage to iconic blends, and high-quality craftsmanship, Ultramarine is highly prized by collectors and aficionados.
When was Ultramarine bottled and released?
Ultramarine was bottled and released in August 2022.
What bottle size is Ultramarine available in?
Ultramarine is available in 700ml (and sometimes 750ml, depending on market) bottles.
