Discover Compass Box The Story Of The Spaniard, a sumptuous blended malt Scotch whisky crafted to showcase the rich influence of Spanish wine casks. This whisky features a luxurious palate full of soft, jammy flavors—think pears poached in red wine, zesty citrus peel, and baking spices—resulting from a blend of malts aged in both sherry and Spanish red wine casks for signature depth and character. Bottled at 43% ABV, non-chill filtered, and presented with natural color, The Story Of The Spaniard offers a long, elegant finish with hints of vanilla panna cotta, berries, and cherries. Ideal for late evening sipping or as a refined cocktail base, this whisky is a tribute to the vibrant spectrum of sherry, making it a perfect choice for enthusiasts seeking complexity and smoothness in every glass.
Process & Profile
Compass Box The Story Of The Spaniard is a blended malt Scotch whisky that showcases the art of maturation in Spanish wine casks, including both sherry and red wine barrels. The blend comprises a careful selection of single malts from renowned distilleries such as Macduff, Linkwood, Glen Moray, Glendullan, Miltonduff, Teaninich, Glen Elgin, and Deanston. Approximately 48% of the blend is matured in ex-sherry casks and 25% in ex-Spanish red wine casks, with additional influence from custom French oak. Bottled at 43% ABV, with no added color and no chill filtering, each batch is released in limited quantities, with batch numbers indicated on the back label.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
- Inviting aromas of citrus peel, blood orange, red wine, baking spices, and hints of toasted vanilla pod, fresh malt, and floral undertones.
Palate:
- Full-bodied and soft, with flavors of pears poached in red wine, orange zest, almonds, chocolate, sponge cake, dried fruits, and subtle sherry warmth.
Finish:
- Long, lingering notes of vanilla panna cotta, berries, cherries, menthol, and a touch of cinnamon and burnt sugar. Gentle oak and a wisp of ash appear on the finish, adding complexity without overpowering the fruit-driven core.
What Makes It Special
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Unique Maturation: Emphasis on Spanish sherry and red wine casks delivers a flavor profile rich in dark fruits, baking spices, and creamy vanilla.
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Creative Blending: Compass Box’s innovative approach blends malts from multiple distilleries for depth and character you won’t find in single malts.
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Natural Production: No artificial coloring, non-chill filtered, and bottled at an optimal 43% ABV to preserve mouthfeel and natural aroma.
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Tribute to Sherry: Crafted as a tribute to the broad spectrum of sherry styles, inspired by founder John Glaser’s personal encounters with sherry in Spain.
How to Enjoy
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Neat: Best experienced neat in a wine glass, which accentuates its Spanish wine heritage.
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With Water or Ice: Add a splash of water or a single large ice cube to open up the complex fruit and spice notes.
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Cocktails: A versatile addition to whisky-forward cocktails—try it in an Old Fashioned or as a richer base for a Manhattan.
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Pairing: Pairs beautifully with cured meats, aged cheeses, or dark chocolate desserts for a decadent tasting experience.
Compass Box The Story Of The Spaniard is an extraordinary choice for whisky lovers seeking a fruit-driven, sherry-influenced Scotch with a contemporary twist. Whether sipping slowly after dinner or mixing into your favorite cocktail, this whisky invites you to savor the richness and creativity at the heart of Compass Box.
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of whisky is The Story Of The Spaniard?
The Story Of The Spaniard is a blended malt Scotch whisky, meaning it is crafted by blending single malt whiskies from multiple distilleries, with no grain whisky included. This results in a richer and more complex profile than typical blended Scotch whisky, which combines both malt and grain whiskies.
What makes this whisky unique?
This whisky stands out for its high proportion of maturation in Spanish wine casks, including both ex-sherry and ex-Spanish red wine casks, lending it a distinctive fruity, spicy, and jammy character inspired by founder John Glaser’s formative whisky experiences in Spain.
What are the key tasting notes?
Expect a full, soft, and sumptuous palate with notes of citrus peel, pears poached in red wine, baking spices, and a finish showcasing vanilla panna cotta, berries, and cherries. There are also subtle hints of clove, lemon, and woody spice.
What is the ABV (alcohol by volume)?
Compass Box The Story Of The Spaniard is bottled at 43% ABV.
Is this whisky colored or chill-filtered?
It is bottled at its natural color and is non-chill filtered, aiming to preserve the full character and texture of the whisky.
How should I enjoy this whisky?
This whisky is ideal for late evening sipping and works beautifully neat, over a large ice cube, or with a splash of water. For a nod to its Spanish wine cask heritage, it can be enjoyed in a wine glass. It also mixes well in whisky-based cocktails.
Is this a limited or ongoing release?
First introduced in 2018, The Story Of The Spaniard is now a permanent part of Compass Box’s core range, released in batches with the batch number on the label. Each batch may have slight differences in the blend.
What is the story behind the name?
The whisky’s name pays tribute to a defining encounter by Compass Box founder John Glaser with a Spanish gentleman who introduced him to the broad spectrum of Sherries in southern Spain, inspiring the creation of this sherry-forward blend.
What is the price range?
The retail price typically falls between £50 and £66, depending on the bottle size and market.
What is the difference between blended malt and blended Scotch whisky?
Blended malt whisky contains only single malts from different distilleries, with no grain whisky. In contrast, blended Scotch whisky merges both malt and grain whiskies for a smoother, lighter character. The Story Of The Spaniard is a blended malt, emphasizing complexity and depth.
Are there any cocktail suggestions?
While excellent on its own, this whisky’s rich, fruity profile pairs well in cocktails that highlight its jammy and spicy notes, such as a Whisky Sour, Old Fashioned, or even a highball with tonic or soda.
Is The Story Of The Spaniard suitable for collectors or gifting?
With its unique story, batch variation, and attractive presentation, this whisky makes a thoughtful and interesting gift for whisky lovers and collectors alike.
