Compass Box Vellichor - 44.6%
A recent, pricey release from boutique blender, Compass Box. "Vellichor" refers to the aromatic atmosphere within second-hand bookshops. The components of the blend are: 38.9% Sherried Highland Park; 29.3% Sherried "Blended Malt" parcel; 15.6% Sherried "Blended Scotch" parcel; 12.1% Macallan FF Bourbon; 4.1% Caol Ila re-filled hogshead.
Notes: Fruit forward nose - lemon, berries, orange. Cereal grains. Slightly grassy. Touch of sherry and oak. Barrel char and smoked meats. The structure evolves slowly and drags the honeyed base notes. Lots of tropical fruit, lemon, tangerine, and floral-top notes. Finish offers a touch of peat.
Pour This For: Macallan fans. But also explore some IB Tamdhu if you'd rather not pay Macallan's price of admission.
Score: 7 (Highly Recommend) Profile didn't really suggest old books for me, but the structure and definition here make for quality sip. Despite being below 90 proof, the pour doesn't suffer from lack of weight, definition, or structure.
Rating System
10 - Reevaluate The Budget
9 - Stash Two (If Able)
8 - Stash One (At The Right Price)
7 - Highly Recommend It To Strangers
6 - Solid - Above Average
5 - Acceptable For The Situation
4 - Not Vocally Complaining
3 - Anything Else To Drink?
2 - Nothing Nice To Say
1 - Drain Pour