The regular edition of the Spice Tree by London-based artisan blenders Compass Box is one mighty fine blended Scotch whisky with a wonderful flavor profile. Last year, the company headed by outside-the-box whisky maker John Glaser introduced a limited edition of said brand, called the Spice Tree Extravaganza. Kept in one of the most beautiful tubes I have ever seen, this premium blend is made from older and rarer spirits than its non-limited correspondent. Thanks to Compass Box’s worthy-of-support Campaign for Transparency, we even know more. According to the info sheet I found on their website, the malts used in this vatting come from the distilleries Glen Ord (Highlands), Benrinnes (Speyside), Allt-A-Bhainne (Speyside), Clynelish (Highlands), Dailuaine (Speyside) and Teaninich (Highlands). Don’t worry if not all of these names ring a bell. I had to look several of them up myself and learned that the more obscure distilleries in this list have few (or even no) official bottlings available. Instead, the greater part of their output is used in blends. In the Spice Tree Extravaganza, they form a beguiling union, which – other than the whisky’s name would suggest – is neither eccentric nor flamboyant, but filigree and elaborate. Thus, the Spice Tree Extravaganza is not a whisky you pour yourself at the end of a long drinking night, but one that you best savour on its own in moments that are precious and worthy of something special.

by Tobi

Eye: Full golden with a reddish shimmer, like a sun ray broken on an autumn leaf.
Nose: Very inviting with hints of red grapes, nutmeg, cardamom, caramel and currant bread. This eclectic whisky fills the air with an opulence of elegant fragrances.
Palate: Surprisingly mild, yet full of distinct flavors. On the Spice Tree Extravaganza’s lithe and lissom branches you find fruitiness from berries, spiciness from herbs, sweetness from butter fudge and a lot more. Many of whisky’s best traits are hanging from this lofty tree.
Finish: Long and fine, the Spice Tree Extravaganza’s perennial roots advance deep into the soil. As they do so, more spiciness unfolds.

Type: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Region: Scotland
Age: No Age Statement
Alc. volume: 46%
Bottle size: 0.7 litres
Price range: ~99.00 Euro
More info: http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/ (Website)