Inspired by the late 19th Century Aesthetic and Decadent movements, the whiskymakers at Compass Box sought to channel the age of excess with a whisky that would complement the end of a meal, the company says.
To compose this rich expression, James Saxon, lead whiskymaker at Compass Box, used a foundation of malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in three different ex-wine casks.
The result is a nose of red apples, waxed wood and wine notes; creamy, with a licorice aroma; banana, toffee and custard blended with Sauternes, according to distillery notes. The palate brings dried fruit — golden raisin, apricot — apple and plenty of vanilla; lasting flavors of dark chocolate shavings and fragrant oak.