The Circle Release No. 1 CB (Compass Box)

The Circle Release No. 1 CB (Compass Box) is a blended malt Scotch from Compass Box. It vats malts from several distilleries, Clynelish lending its waxy Highland texture. The original Clynelish was founded in 1819 by the Marquess of Stafford during the Highland Clearances.

The Clynelish within gives a waxy, citrussy coastal note. A sherry butt held it, the wood lending raisin and walnut over the wax. The cool, salt laden coastal air works into the maturing casks at Brora. The distillery was built in 1967 next to the original Clynelish of 1819, which was renamed Brora and later closed. Clynelish is unpeated, its character built on texture, citrus and coast rather than smoke. The famous wax is said to come from the build up in the distillery's feints receivers. Active wood frames the citrus without smothering the waxy texture. The oily, waxy texture is the signature that blenders prize above all.

At 46% it is oily, citrussy and clean. A waxy, oily texture runs through it, with citrus, honey and a coastal lift. Orange, beeswax and a maritime salt fill the middle. The finish is deep, waxy and maritime. A characterful blended malt Scotch.