Blended Scotch whisky – 43%ABV – $40 | £28 | €33
I am about to review a very nice blended malt whisky put out by the good folks at Compass Box. It’s called “Oak Cross”. This is a blend of Clynelish and Teaninich and (I think) Dailuaine whiskies. I’d like to propose that this whisky be finished in ex-maneschewitz casks – then we can call it… you guessed it, Oak Star (or Oak Magen Dovid).
Kidding aside (or am I kidding?…), I’ve been very pleased with these Compass Box whiskies so far. While this is my second post on them, I’m about four samples into their line and I’ve not been disappointed yet. Unique blends with lots to offer many palates.
So, how does the Oak Star, I mean, Cross taste?:
On the nose – Just like with the Asyla, we start off with butter – this time think buttered biscuits or perhaps rye toasty bread.
Oak for sure (hence the name!).
Honey & vanilla.
And, get this, a can of emptied Country Time Lemonade (man, I used to be addicted to this stuff as a child and I loved smelling the empty cans – don’t ask why).
Green apples.
Pineapples.
On the mouth – An overwhelming spiciness quickly pushes aside a very oily entry.
This is a sweetie (though, slightly drying/tannic)!
Some maltiness – actually, a fair amount.
A fruity mystery Dum-Dum lollipop?
Finish – Shortish. The oak and malt are fighting for dear life but, in the end, I win.
In sum – I’m not quite sure where to place this. For my tastes, I actually preferred the Asyla. Not knocking this stuff at all. It’s a solid vatted /blended malt for sure. Just trying to figure out where to put this on the Mood-And-Season-O-Meter™… Perhaps the best place would be – in good company.