Compass Box Affinity

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Far be it from Compass Box to push the boundaries of whisky... this new release, Affinity, is a blend of Calvados from Normandy, with Scotch Whisky. It is a limited global release of 6,436 bottles.

Andrew's Tasting Note

Nose: thick caramel, manuka honey, quince paste, Breton Cider and crab apple jelly; tarte tatin and caramel apple; dried dark fruits and macerated Saskatoon and blueberries. 

Palate: thick, juicy, floral and toasty; more crab apple jelly and Breton Cider; more tarte tatin and caramel apple but with darker spice elements: clove, fennel and anise; a touch of espresso roast coffee grounds, perfume and floral vanilla.

Finish: perfumed and floral with all manner of apple notes wafting past; long creamy, decadent and spicy.

Comment: this is without question the most unusual bottling from Compass Box that I can think of, but in a pleasant way; not legally whisky or calvados, this spirit drink offers a little of both; I find Calvados too one dimensional and over the top, as a component in a spirits blend though... I think Compass Box is on to something. 

Producer Tasting Note

"Aromas reminiscent of baked apple, vanilla and clove spice.

On the palate, full and with a sweet impression. Very long in the finish, echoing the baked apple and spice notes. Lovely served neat or with an ice cube.  It makes a staggeringly delicious pairing with a classic Tarte Tatin, the upside-down caramelised apple pastry.  Or, pair it with any number of apple-based baked goods.  It is also a versatile cocktail spirit, especially for stirred drinks."

Bottling Details

• Guillaume Drouin of Domaine Christian Drouin is supplying us XO grade Calvados from his distillery in the picturesque village of Coudray-Rabut.
• Whisky: 75%, Calvados 25%
• Alcohol content: 46% by volume

700 ml