Art & Decadence NAS CB (Compass Box)

Art & Decadence NAS CB (Compass Box) is a blended Scotch from Compass Box, the London blending house. It vats single malts with Glen Moray among them. It is known for excellent value, with age statements priced more keenly than most.

Glen Moray lends a light, clean, fruity Speyside note to the whisky. Ex-Bourbon casks held it, the gentle American oak letting the light fruit lead. Active wood frames the fruit without overwhelming the light Speyside spirit. Long ageing turns the fresh apple towards dried fruit, honey and a soft spice. Maturation in the bonded warehouses at Elgin is slow and steady. It runs a large still house at Elgin, expanded over the years to meet demand. Vanillin and oak lactones from the wood lend vanilla and coconut over the fruit. It closed in 1910 and reopened in 1923 under Macdonald and Muir of Glenmorangie. River Lossie water and the tall stills give the light Glen Moray make.

At a hearty 49% it carries real weight. Green apple, vanilla and a soft honey run through it, light and fresh. Beneath it run green apple, pear and a soft vanilla. The finish is rounded, fruity and clean. A characterful blended Scotch.