Compass Box Gold Standard

Compass Box Gold Standard is a blended Scotch from Compass Box, marrying malt whiskies for character with grain whisky for a smoother, lighter frame. Grain from distilleries such as the closed Port Dundas often forms the backbone of blends like this. Grain from Glasgow giants like Port Dundas gave blends their smooth, creamy base.

A blended Scotch combines malt and grain whiskies of different ages and origins. Drawing on well aged stock, the malt lending depth while the grain gives a creamy, rounded base. Ex-Bourbon oak held the spirit, the cask adding sweetness rather than weight. The slow loss of the angel's share, one to two percent a year, has concentrated the liquid over time. The blender's craft is to balance the parts into one whole.

At an approachable 46% it is smooth. The malts bring honey, dried fruit and orchard sweetness, the grain a creamy vanilla and coconut, with the toasted oak gives vanilla, with the wood lactones lend coconut and a creme brulee note from the caramelised sugars adding its own note. A light citrus and soft tropical fruit run beneath the sweetness. The finish is long and softly drying. A rounded, approachable blend in the house style.