Blended Scotch Whisky The Travelling Circus (Compass Box)

Blended Scotch Whisky The Travelling Circus (Compass Box) is a blended Scotch from Compass Box. It folds malt and grain together, Caol Ila giving the Islay smoke. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila.

Islay malts bring the smoke, the lighter Caol Ila style keeping it clean rather than heavy. Ex-Sherry wood added a dried fruit richness beneath the smoke. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. The cool Islay air gives a slow, steady maturation by the shore. Much of the spirit leaves the island by sea to mature on the mainland. Malt comes from the Port Ellen maltings on the south of the island. Long ageing turns the young, sharp peat into a soft, coastal smoke. Most of its peated malt is destined for the Johnnie Walker blends. The spirit's lightness lets sherry, wine and bourbon casks all show through.

At 49%, undiluted, it is bold and clean. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. A sea salt and an olive oil note sit under the smoke. The close is long, smoke over a citrus lift. A characterful smoky blended Scotch.