The General - Compass Box (53,4%)
Compass Box is not afraid of some thought-through experimentation and original presentation. After having tasted their excellent Last Vatted malt recently, now time for the newly released the General. Again, something special: a vatting of a few very old casks which were found somewhere lying in warehouses of other companies somewhat forgotten and ageing there at least for 33 years and others said the double of it (rumours...). They have no idea what the component whiskies are, only that the result is old and beautiful. Well, must say I tasted this at the festival alongside some other old whiskies. What is certain is that this has the same elegance and 'antique character' of those other whiskies, all being single malts.
On the nose, there is certainly a sherry cask influence, translating in sweet prunes and worn leather notes. Although sweet, the grain is almost indiscernible. On the palate, very smooth, like an old single malt, sweet prunes again, some chocolate, old bourbon sweetness. The finish could have been a tad longer. It stands it ground more than well against those other powerhouses. And for the same price, why not get something special. Although I would then rather consider buying the Last Vatted malt.
Excellent though...