Compass Box The Circle No. 2 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky

The concept for this whisky is based on the color of coral and the phenomenon of synesthesia, whereby sensory stimuli provoke crossover experiences—like associating colors with flavors. An intensity of aromas is unleashed: tropical fruits, grilled pineapple, vanilla, caramel, dried apple ring, oak spices, dried citrus wheel, and struck match. Sweet, fruity, silky, and drenched in flavors of citrus, honey, tangy pineapple, grapefruit, lime zest, Life Savers, gummy bears, sliced apple, deep spices, and jelly beans. (3,113 bottles worldwide) 91 Points  Jonny McCormick Whisky Advocate (Fall 2022)

Weeks of tweaking led us to this combination of tropically fruity malt whiskies from the Glen Elgin and Speyburn distilleries, together with whiskies influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks. Single malt from the Ardmore Distillery lends a herbal Highland peat note.

We love the bright pineapple and stewed peach aromas that leap out of the glass. The flavour is of vanilla, honey and sultanas soaked in Cognac.

The Circle is our international bartender competition; it serves as a kind of symposium in which the bar world and whiskymakers can come together to share ideas. ‘Is it possible to make a whisky that evokes the colour of coral?’ was the idea Mannie Monaghan, 2019’s winner, posed to us.

46% ABV