Spice Tree Extravaganza
Distiller - Compass Box
Style – Blended
ABV – 46%
Casks -https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/whiskies/index.php?id=18#prettyPhoto/0/
(Just hit the link it’s easier than me typing everything)
Released - 2016
I’ve been looking forward to trying this for a while, it’s one of those drams that’s just escaped from me (for over 2 years!) Spice Tree Extravaganza was released on the 10th anniversary of the original Spice Tree being pulled from the shelf, Spice Tree was the first dram I ever tried from the Compass Box range, it changed the way I thought about whisky. Unfortunately, it was pulled from the market due to its unorthodox use of staves during the aging process. But this didn’t set John Glaser back, he still pushes the boundaries of unconventional whisky making to this day, while always giving a subtle dig to the man (aka the SWA). Anyway, to the booze!
Nose:
Raspberry ripple sweetness, rhubarb and custard sweets, balanced out by sherbet lemon, a cheeky bit of Butterscotch in there as well.
Palate:
Here’s the spice, creamy vanilla, sweet cinnamon, white pepper, candied ginger with subtle clove notes
Finish:
Chocolate orange, “then, the spice continues” (sounds like a movie line) ginger, green chilli & white pepper spice
The roundup
As expected, it’s a bit mental, sweet on the nose, drier on the palate with spice coming in then the finish has actual spice (as in heat, but not heat) but no burn? Its mental and I’m sure this doesn’t make sense, but it will if you try it. Anyway, it’s a tasty dram and yet another Compass Box that pushes the boundaries.