Orchard House The Signature Range CB Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Compass Box)

Orchard House The Signature Range CB Blended Malt Scotch Whisky (Compass Box) is a blended malt Scotch from Compass Box. It brings together malts from more than one distillery, Caol Ila lending the peat. The distillery was expanded again in the 21st century to meet blend demand.

Caol Ila's elegant smoke gives the blend its coastal, citrus edge. An Oloroso hogshead lent raisin, fig and a savoury edge. The clean spirit shows the cask clearly, which is why it suits so many wood types. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character. Years in oak round the smoke, the peat mellowing while the brine stays. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. Its peated character is built on malt smoked to a medium level of phenols. It was founded by Hector Henderson and later passed to the Distillers Company.

At 46% it is soft, oily and bright. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. It is clean and coastal, the peat and lemon to the fore. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. A characterful smoky blended malt Scotch.