Compass Box Duality

Compass Box Duality is a limited blended malt in which two very different worlds come together. For this release, Compass Box combined intensely smoky Islay malt from Ardbeg, teaspooned with Caol Ila, with single malt from London’s Bimber Distillery matured in Pedro Ximénez sherry hogsheads. Duality is therefore exactly what the name suggests: a play between smoke and sherry, Scotland and London, power and texture. Only 1,050 bottles were released at 52%, without chill filtration or added colouring. Expect a powerful, layered whisky with ashy peat smoke, salted caramel, tropical fruit, raisins, orange and dark sherried sweetness.

Tasting Notes

Nose

Immediately firm and smoky with ash, sea air and a medicinal Islay edge. Salted caramel, vanilla sugar and orange peel then come forward, followed by raisins, mango and a touch of dark honey. The PX influence adds depth and sweetness, while the smoky malt clearly stays in charge.

Palate

Full, powerful and mouthcoating with peat smoke, barbecue ash and salinity. Toffee, golden syrup, milk chocolate and raisins follow, together with candied orange and a touch of green apple. The Bimber component brings texture and sherried sweetness, while the Islay malt provides tension, grip and a clear smoky backbone.

Finish

Long and intense with lingering smoke, dark fruit and warming spice. Raisins, orange peel, white pepper and a hint of ginger stay on nicely. Towards the end it becomes drier and spicier, with ash, sea salt and one last sweet PX touch.

Compass Box

Compass Box is a pioneer in the whisky world, elevating blending to an art form and breaking traditional boundaries with its innovative approach. Led by John Glaser, the company has built a reputation for creating complex, high-quality whiskies loved by connoisseurs and newcomers alike. With their commitment to quality, innovation and transparency, Compass Box remains an influential force in the whisky industry, and their whiskies are considered some of the most interesting and bold products on the market.

Philosophy

Compass Box sees blending whisky as an art form. Instead of focusing on single malt whisky, the company emphasises on creating exceptional blends. They believe that by combining different whiskies, it is possible to create something greater than the sum of its parts.

Compass Box is known for its experimental approach, such as using unusual cask types, including new French oak casks, or creating blends that fall outside the usual flavour profiles. This approach has earned them both praise and controversy within the whisky world.

One of the most distinctive aspects of Compass Box is their commitment to transparency. They share extensive information about the composition of their whiskies, including provenance, age and types of casks used. This is in contrast to the norm in the industry, where such details are often kept secret.