This is not a luxury Whisky NAS CB (Compass Box)

This is not a luxury Whisky NAS CB (Compass Box) is a blended Scotch from Compass Box. It folds malt and grain together, Caol Ila giving the Islay smoke. Port Askaig is a tiny settlement on the rugged east coast of Islay.

The Caol Ila within lends a clean, lemony Islay smoke rather than a heavy tarry one. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding only a light vanilla. The make balances phenolic smoke against a bright, oily citrus. Diageo's Special Releases have featured both peated and unpeated Caol Ila. The tall stills and a high cut give a lighter, cleaner spirit than the southern Islays. Olive oil and lemon sit at the heart of the Caol Ila character. The spirit's high notes of lemon and grass survive even long maturation. The medium peating leaves a smoke that is firm but never heavy. Maturation by the sea gives the malt its mineral, sea spray character.

Undiluted at 53.1%, it is powerful. A coastal peat smoke runs through it, with lemon, brine and a soft oil over a sweet fruit. Smoke, lemon and a saline minerality fill the middle. A smoky, oily warmth lingers with lemon and salt. A characterful smoky blended Scotch.