Compass Box is a whisky blending company that is based in the United Kingdom. They are known for their innovative and creative approach to whisky blending, and they have gained a reputation for producing high-quality and unique expressions.
While Compass Box does not have a specific region of origin, they source their whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland. This allows them to create blends that showcase the different characteristics and flavors from different regions.
One of the things that sets Compass Box apart is their transparency and willingness to share information about the whiskies they use. They believe in providing consumers with as much information as possible about the whiskies in their blends, including the distilleries and the ages of the whiskies.
In the case of the blended malt with 46% ABV, Compass Box has selected whiskies from Islay, Ardmore, Ledaig, and a small proportion of Highland malt. Islay is a region known for its peaty and smoky whiskies, with distilleries like Laphroaig and Caol Ila being famous for their bold and robust flavors. Ardmore is located in the Highlands and produces a lightly peated whisky, while Ledaig is the peated expression from the Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull.
The use of whiskies from these different regions allows Compass Box to create a blend that combines the peaty and smoky elements of Islay with the lighter peatiness of Ardmore and Ledaig. The addition of a small proportion of Highland malt adds complexity and balance to the blend.
To enhance the flavor profile of the blend, Compass Box has married the whiskies in highly active French oak casks. This would impart additional flavors and aromas to the whisky, adding depth and richness to the final product.
Compass Box is not tied to a specific region in Scotland, but rather focuses on selecting whiskies from various distilleries to create unique and interesting blends. Their commitment to transparency and creativity has made them a respected and sought-after brand in the whisky world.