Frequently Asked Questions
Discover Compass Box Crimson Casks Blended Malt Scotch Whisky—a masterful Scotch that celebrates the transformative influence of sherry and red wine cask maturation. Crafted from a harmonious blend of single malt whiskies aged in American oak sherry butts, Crimson Casks delivers an indulgent palate bursting with chocolate fudge cake, clove, cardamom, plum jam, and redcurrant jelly, followed by luscious cherries, toffee, and a touch of oak. The long, satisfying finish lingers with notes of raisin, honey, and brown sugar, offering both richness and spicy warmth. Bottled at 46% ABV, with natural color and un-chill-filtered for maximum character, this whisky is perfect sipped neat or as an opulent dessert pairing. Crimson Casks is a bold testament to Compass Box’s blending artistry—ideal for enthusiasts seeking robust, layered flavor in every dram.
Process & Profile
Crimson Casks is expertly composed from single malts sourced from Glen Moray, Benrinnes, Teaninich, and an undisclosed Speyside distillery “near the town of Aberlour”. Meticulous maturation defines this whisky: 78.2% of the blend is aged in wine-influenced casks, including oloroso sherry butts, Spanish red wine barriques, and other sherry casks. These casks, sourced from Jerez, Spain, imbue the spirit with its vibrant hue and depth of flavor. A notable portion—7.3%—comes from a Highland malt blend aged in custom heavy-toast French oak, adding unique spicy and toasty dimensions. Additionally, Benrinnes contributes rich toffee and apple notes via first-fill bourbon barrels, making for an intricate, multi-cask profile. Bottled at 46% ABV, Crimson Casks is non-chill-filtered and retains its natural color.Tasting Notes
Nose: Deep, perfumed, and strikingly aromatic, with floral overtones, vanilla, and rich fruit. Expect notes of orange zest, cola cubes, Cointreau-flambéed crepes, baked orange, grilled peaches, and subtle barrel char. Hints of musty antique shop and a wisp of smoke round out the nose. Palate: Crimson Casks delivers a creamy, thick, almost syrupy texture. Decadent flavors of chocolate fudge cake, clove, cardamom, and dark chocolate emerge, alongside layers of plum jam, redcurrant jelly, cherry, toffee, and well-integrated oak. Spicy oak, French toast, strawberry tart, cinnamon, and a lively peppery spice complete the experience. Finish: Long, fruity, and satisfying, the finish lingers with red berries, sweet fruit brandy, aged oak, blackcurrant jam, smoked nuts, raisin, honey, and brown sugar.What Makes It Special
- Artisanal Blending: Crafted by whisky “makers” who embrace artistry as much as tradition, Crimson Casks is a showcase of innovation in maturation and blending.
- Sherry Cask Dominance: With the bulk of the blend matured in oloroso and wine casks, the whisky’s color and intense flavor naturally reflect its cask pedigree—no artificial color or chill-filtration involved.
- Core Range Standout: Designed as the successor to both Spice Tree and Story of the Spaniard, Crimson Casks brings together the best of sherry and French oak influences in Compass Box’s signature fashion.
- Natural Proof and Transparency: Bottled at a robust 46% ABV and accompanied by full disclosure of its component whiskies and casks, Crimson Casks is a whisky for those who value authenticity.
How to Enjoy
- Neat: Savor Crimson Casks neat in a tulip glass to appreciate its complexity and creamy, layered mouthfeel. A few drops of water can further reveal hidden depths and soften the sherry-driven intensity.
- On the Rocks: For a gentler sip, enjoy over a large ice cube—this will mellow the spices and accentuate the whisky’s candied fruit character.
- Paired with Food: Crimson Casks is a stunning partner for desserts—drizzle over vanilla bean ice cream to unlock fig and cinnamon notes, or enjoy with rich patisserie and charcuterie for a sublime sensory pairing.
- In Cocktails: Its robust profile stands up beautifully in a classic Old Fashioned or as the backbone of modern whisky cocktails, amplifying both fruit and spice components.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Compass Box Crimson Casks?
Compass Box Crimson Casks is a blended malt Scotch whisky crafted from single malts matured mainly in American Oak oloroso sherry butts and finished in select red wine casks. The blend is designed to deliver rich, layered flavors, achieving both intensity and balance.
What tasting notes can I expect from Crimson Casks?
Expect an indulgent profile of chocolate fudge cake, clove, and cardamom, with underlying notes of plum jam, redcurrant jelly, cherry, toffee, and oak. The finish is long and warming, featuring raisin, honey, and brown sugar. Some reviewers also report hints of marzipan, crème brûlée, baked red berries, and apricot.
What is the ABV of Crimson Casks, and is it chill-filtered?
Crimson Casks is bottled at 46% ABV, presented at natural color, and is not chill-filtered, preserving its full and natural character.
How is Crimson Casks different from other Compass Box whiskies?
Crimson Casks replaces the beloved Spice Tree and Story of the Spaniard labels, combining sherry and French oak influences for added depth and spiciness. It aims to capture the best of both predecessors while bringing its unique, sherried richness to the core range.
What is a blended malt Scotch whisky?
A blended malt Scotch whisky is a combination of only single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries, with no grain whisky used. This style showcases the complexity and depth of different malts, setting it apart from blended Scotch, which also includes grain whisky.
Which distilleries contribute to the Crimson Casks blend?
The blend includes malts from Glen Moray, Benrinnes, Teaninich, and an undisclosed distillery near Aberlour. The recipe features a mix of oloroso sherry casks, Spanish red wine barriques, and French oak influence.
How should I serve Crimson Casks?
Crimson Casks is best enjoyed neat to appreciate its full range of flavors. It also pairs well with desserts—try drizzling it over vanilla ice cream for fig and cinnamon notes, or enjoy alongside charcuterie where its spiciness cuts through rich meats.
Is Crimson Casks a limited edition or part of the core Compass Box range?
As of 2024, Crimson Casks is part of the new “core four” Compass Box lineup, alongside Orchard House, Nectarosity, and The Peat Monster.
What makes sherry-cask maturation special in Crimson Casks?
Oloroso sherry casks impart deep color, raisin and cherry sweetness, chocolate notes, and a rich texture. These casks are pivotal in creating the whisky’s signature spiciness and generosity.
When was Crimson Casks first released?
Crimson Casks debuted in 2024 as part of Compass Box’s updated portfolio.
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