Frequently Asked Questions
Discover Compass Box The Spice Tree Blended Malt Scotch Whisky—a masterfully crafted Scotch celebrated for its rich, bold character and innovative cask maturation. This Highland-inspired blend is matured in custom French oak casks, delivering an intense palate layered with warming baking spices like clove, nutmeg, and cinnamon, complemented by deep toasty oak, vanilla, and subtle dried fruit notes. Bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and showcasing natural color, The Spice Tree offers a velvety, full-bodied mouthfeel and a long, spice-driven finish. Perfect for whisky enthusiasts seeking complexity and depth, this award-winning malt is ideal for sipping neat, pairing with desserts, or elevating whisky cocktails.
Process & Profile
Compass Box The Spice Tree stands out for its avant-garde maturation process. The whisky begins with a blend of Highland single malts from renowned distilleries such as Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Teaninich, aged initially in first-fill American oak casks. The blend is then transferred for a second maturation into custom ‘hybrid’ casks—with heads made from new, heavily toasted French oak and bodies of American oak. This unique approach delivers deep spice flavors and a rich, round profile, all bottled at 46% ABV, non-chill filtered, and with natural color for full flavor integrity.Tasting Notes
Appearance: Deep amber, reflecting rich oak aging. Nose: Aromas of baking spices—clove, cinnamon, nutmeg—mingled with sweet malt, honey, vanilla, and hints of dried fruits and toasted oak. Palate: Full-bodied and oily, with an explosion of spice (cinnamon, nutmeg, black pepper, clove). Layers of caramel, toffee, vanilla, and malt balance the spice, supported by notes of stewed fruits, orange zest, and toasted coconut. The toasty oak imparts a gentle char without heavy peat. Finish: Long and warming, dominated by oak-driven spice, vanilla, and lingering hints of dark chocolate and caramel, with a gradual fade into gentle woodiness and subtle citrus.What Makes It Special
- Innovative Oak Maturation: Compass Box pioneered the use of custom casks with French oak heads for intensified spice complexity—a method that challenged Scotch whisky traditions and led to a legendary comeback story.
- Pure & Unfiltered: Bottled at 46%, with natural color and no chill filtration, capturing the whisky’s full, oily mouthfeel and vibrant character.
- Award-Winning: Recognized with gold medals at the World Whisky Awards, International Spirits Challenge, and more, reflecting its excellence and renown in the whisky world.
- Signature Range: The Spice Tree is a flagship in Compass Box’s Signature Range, celebrated for its bold, spice-centric style and innovative blending.
How to Enjoy
- Neat: Savor The Spice Tree neat in a tulip or Glencairn glass to appreciate its intricate layers of spice, oak, and fruit.
- With Water: Add a few drops of water to unlock deeper notes of honey, vanilla, and fruity malt, while softening the intense spice for a smoother sip.
- Paired With Food: Enjoy alongside cheese, dark chocolate, or spiced desserts to complement and enhance its rich, spicy character.
- Cocktails: Use as a robust base for classic whisky cocktails like a highball or Old Fashioned—its complex profile holds up beautifully in creative mixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compass Box The Spice Tree?
Compass Box The Spice Tree is a blended malt Scotch whisky renowned for its rich, intense flavors of baking spices and layered toasty oak accents. It is crafted from a blend of Highland single malts and matured in custom-made French and American oak casks for enhanced spice complexity.
What makes The Spice Tree unique compared to other Scotch whiskies?
The Spice Tree stands out due to its innovative maturation process, using custom hybrid casks with French oak heads and American oak bodies. This technique imparts distinctive spice-like flavors and deep oak richness, offering a bold twist on traditional Scotch whisky methods.
What does it taste like?
Expect a flavor profile full of clove, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and black pepper, complemented by sweet notes of honey, toffee, vanilla, dried fruit, and oak. The finish is long, warming, and spice-driven, with lingering flavors of oak spice, vanilla, and dark chocolate.
Is The Spice Tree peated or smoky?
No, The Spice Tree is not a peated whisky. While it has a touch of toasted wood character, it does not have a heavy smoky or peaty profile, making it accessible to a wide range of palates.
What is the ABV and is it chill-filtered?
It is bottled at 46% ABV, presented at its natural color, and is not chill-filtered, preserving maximum flavor and texture.
What is a blended malt Scotch whisky?
A blended malt Scotch whisky is a blend of single malts from multiple distilleries, without the addition of any grain whisky. This style allows blenders to create complex and nuanced flavor profiles by combining the strengths of different malts.
How should I enjoy The Spice Tree?
The Spice Tree is excellent for sipping neat or with a splash of water to open up its layers. It also pairs well with cheese, chocolate, or spice cakes, and makes a robust base for sophisticated whisky cocktails.
Who created The Spice Tree and when was it first released?
The Spice Tree was created by John Glaser, the founder of Compass Box, and was first introduced in 2005. Its innovative aging process initially faced regulatory challenges but was later refined to meet Scotch whisky standards.
Is The Spice Tree suitable for whisky beginners?
Yes, The Spice Tree’s approachable spice-forward profile, absence of heavy peat, and balanced sweetness make it a compelling choice for both whisky newcomers and enthusiasts seeking a bold yet accessible dram.
Does The Spice Tree contain artificial color or additives?
No, it is bottled at natural color and does not contain any artificial coloring or additives.
Where is The Spice Tree made?
The whisky is a blend of single malts primarily from the Highlands region of Scotland, reflecting the malty richness and deep spice characteristic of Highland malts.
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