Compass Box releases blend with two components
Scotch whisky maker Compass Box has launched the third edition of its Double Single blend – made from just one single grain whisky and one single malt.
The blend is comprised of 72% single malt whisky aged in re-charred Bourbon hogsheads from Glen Elgin Distillery, and single grain whisky aged in re-charred Bourbon barrels from the Girvan Distillery. "For The Double Single, instead of using many tens of component whiskies we have used just two – one single grain whisky and one single malt whisky, hence the name,” said Compass Box founder and whiskymaker John Glaser. “Both are beautiful liquids in their own right, but the way we’ve combined them in Double Single, the resulting whisky is an elevation above the mere sum of their parts. This is what blending is all about, whether in Scotch whisky, in wine, [or] in perfume.” The Double Single was initially created inn 2003 as a limited edition for Duncan Elphick and Tatsuya Minagawa of the Highlander Inn. “Tatsuya and Duncan came to me many years ago with a blending idea,” added Glaser. “They suggested I try to perfectly match one single grain whisky with one single malt whisky, to create what they called a ‘Double Single’. I loved the idea, and our first two editions have become something of a cult favourite.” Compass Box believes the blend provides a depth of flavour not found in single malts, but that its simplicity provides a “purity of flavour” absent from blends with more components. “The combination is hauntingly complex, spirit-forward and versatile Scotch whisky, with a real elegance, grace and that ethereal whisky character that comes from excellent maturation,” said Glaser. “The malt whisky is perfectly balanced on a cushion of rich, decadent, vanilla-tinged grain whisky.” A total of 5,838 bottles of The Double Single (46% abv) will be available globally at an RRP of US$175. The first bottles launched in Europe on 1 May. Last May, Compass Box launched two new blends – Enlightenment and The Circus – both comprised of old Scotch parcels.
