Post by ♥ COVID-19♥ on Nov 8, 2008 14:11:29 GMT -6
My favorite liquor store, Union Square Wines & Spirits, is located in Manhattan and frequently offers tastings of not only wines from the world over, but also tastings of various spirits, both new and traditional. Annually, I can look forward to such events as The Super Bowl Of Martinis (Gin vs. Vodka) on the Saturday of Super Bowl Weekend, Irish Whiskey tastings around St. Patrick’s Day and Tequila tastings for Cinco de Mayo.
The other night, however, was a Scotch tasting, where we sampled offerings from The Compass Box Whisky Company. If Compass Box sounds familiar, it might be because of the thread I started a while ago about their Hedonism Scotch; John Glaser, the owner, was there to oversee tastings of a half dozen of their Scotch whisky brands – among them, two varieties of their Hedonism brand.
What follows is my experience with the different brands in this tasting, but the descriptions are taken from the downloadable PDF’s from the company’s Web Site.
Asyla
This was the first one I tasted in the evening. Described by one of the presenters as “very soft”, this might make an excellent “starter” for someone who is just being introduced to Scotch because its taste is in no way overpowering. I first tried it neat, then a second tasting with a splash of cold water. Since I found it on the mellow side when it was neat, I didn’t think the splash of water really added anything to the taste; perhaps that’s because the water wasn’t cold enough. When I drink Scotch at home and want to add a little cold water to it, what I’ll usually do is place a single ice cube in a rocks glass, pour a dram on top of it, then stir a bit and let it sit for a minute or so in order to give the ice a chance to melt. This way, I’ll be certain that the water is really cold, not just cool. I especially liked doing this as an after-dinner drink during the summer months.
Oak Cross
It’s easy to figure out how this brand got its name by reading the Wood section in the above description – it’s called Oak Cross because the casks in which it is aged are made of oak barrels that are a cross between French and American style. This was the second in the tasting and it was definitely a step up from the Asyla; while it had a stronger taste to it, I would still tend to call it more in a “medium” range because it’s not too strong. They were offering a cocktail called the Criss Cross, which was mixed with Oak Cross and St. Germain liqueur; unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to taste this one – something I deeply regret because I’m a huge fan of St. Germain and think it’s impossible to mix a bad cocktail with this stuff (perhaps I’ll do another thread on that one someday … ).
The Peat Monster
This was the one I was waiting for! My favorite Scotches are the peat – flavored ones because I really like that rich, full – bodied, smoky taste; as a result, I tend to drink anything that comes from the Islay section of Scotland (the source of the peat) like Bowmore and Laphroaig. I’d heard of Peat Monster for a while, but never had a chance to try it, so it was with great anticipation that I approached this tasting. While I enjoyed Peat Monster quite a good deal, I felt that its name was a bit misleading. I was expecting a peat flavor stronger than either Bowmore or Laphroaig, but this was not the case. My first clue to this was the fact that this was a much lighter color than the other two; this is due to the fact that it is a blend of Scotches from Islay and Highland (Speyside) – and this becomes more evident in the taste. While you still get that peaty aroma and taste, it is somewhat offset by its blend with the Highland malt. So, if you want to try a peaty Scotch but have thus far avoided it because you’re afraid it might be a bit too strong, Peat Monster (despite what its name sounds like) might actually be a good introductory peat – flavored Scotch.
Hedonism
Finally, Hedonism! Because of the name (obviously), I’ve been dying to taste this one, but was careful to maintain no pre – conceived notions about it, simply because I wanted to try it without any kind of prejudice. From a Scotch standpoint, this is truly a different experience. To begin with, this is something that Compass Box markets in its so – called “Limited Release” range because they only make it once a year. Second, it’s unusual for a Scotch in that instead of being made from a malt, it’s actually a single grain concoction. Lastly, its aroma and taste is something I can only describe as sweet or fruity – the fact that this makes it “the kinder, gentler” Scotch is what makes this one stand out. The Hedonism brand is usually aged around 20 years – but hang on … there’s another one coming that’s aged even longer …
Peat Monster Reserve
Now we’re getting out of my price range. Peat Monster is Compass Box’s best selling brand. In order to celebrate its fifth anniversary, they have released a Reserve Edition – a one – time only limited offering. This one goes for $175 per bottle and is only sold in a magnum size; even at the 15% discount this store was offering, it was still unaffordable for me (and at this size, I would have a hard time storing it, anyway). If you like a peaty Scotch with a loooong finish, this is the one! This has much more of the smoky flavor you’d expect in an Islay based Scotch because it’s blended with more Laphroaig – based Scotch and less of the Speyside (Highland) Scotch. I really wish I could’ve purchased a bottle of this one!
Hedonism Maximus
If Peat Monster Reserve was out of my price range, Hedonism Maximus was WAY out of my price range. Similarly, this is offered in magnum – only quantities, but costs a whopping $325! This is due to a large part because it’s aged twice as long as the regular Hedonism brand – I was told that the bottle I tried was aged 42 years. The main difference with this was definitely in the taste, which was much more intense than the regular Hedonism Scotch. What I particularly liked about it was the fact that you could actually taste the cask in which it was aged. In wines, I happen to prefer those that tend to have a woody flavor to them – in other words, I like to taste the barrel in which it lived. If that’s something that appeals to you also, then Hedonism Maximus might justify breaking your liquor budget.
The tasting conducted at USQ was excellent – in addition to the variety of Scotches, they served sundry cured meats and cheeses which complemented each type. I found the bleu cheese to go particularly well with both Peat Monster brands. If you want to try a Scotch tasting, I’d definitely recommend a similar set-up as it greatly enhances the experience.
All of the Scotches served this evening were being sold at a 15% discount for one night only. Tom, the coordinator of this event, knows me as a regular customer at USQ; when he greeted me at the beginning of the tasting, he handed me the price list and said, “When you’re ready to make a purchase, please let me know – we’ll talk”. A good thing I did! At the conclusion of the evening, I ended up buying a bottle of the Peat Monster (the regular one, not the Reserve); I pointed this out to him and instead of giving me the 15% discount, he DOUBLED it and I wound up with a 30% discount off its usual $60 price!
Ah, yes … yet another reason why USQ is my favorite liquor store … and another reason why I’ll continue to be one of their loyal customers!
The other night, however, was a Scotch tasting, where we sampled offerings from The Compass Box Whisky Company. If Compass Box sounds familiar, it might be because of the thread I started a while ago about their Hedonism Scotch; John Glaser, the owner, was there to oversee tastings of a half dozen of their Scotch whisky brands – among them, two varieties of their Hedonism brand.
What follows is my experience with the different brands in this tasting, but the descriptions are taken from the downloadable PDF’s from the company’s Web Site.
Asyla
Flavour Descriptors
Sweet, delicate and very smooth on the
palate, with flavours of vanilla-cream, cereals
and a subtle apple-like fruit character.
Recommendations
Ideal as an aperitif served in a white wine or
similar glass with chilled water to taste. Try
before a meal with shavings of Parmigianno
Reggiano.
Distillery Sourcing
Malt whiskies: Linkwood, Glen Elgin, Teaninich.
Grain whisky: Cameron Bridge.
Wood
100% first-fill American oak ex-Bourbon.
Bottling Details
40%. Not chill filtered, natural colour.
Sweet, delicate and very smooth on the
palate, with flavours of vanilla-cream, cereals
and a subtle apple-like fruit character.
Recommendations
Ideal as an aperitif served in a white wine or
similar glass with chilled water to taste. Try
before a meal with shavings of Parmigianno
Reggiano.
Distillery Sourcing
Malt whiskies: Linkwood, Glen Elgin, Teaninich.
Grain whisky: Cameron Bridge.
Wood
100% first-fill American oak ex-Bourbon.
Bottling Details
40%. Not chill filtered, natural colour.
This was the first one I tasted in the evening. Described by one of the presenters as “very soft”, this might make an excellent “starter” for someone who is just being introduced to Scotch because its taste is in no way overpowering. I first tried it neat, then a second tasting with a splash of cold water. Since I found it on the mellow side when it was neat, I didn’t think the splash of water really added anything to the taste; perhaps that’s because the water wasn’t cold enough. When I drink Scotch at home and want to add a little cold water to it, what I’ll usually do is place a single ice cube in a rocks glass, pour a dram on top of it, then stir a bit and let it sit for a minute or so in order to give the ice a chance to melt. This way, I’ll be certain that the water is really cold, not just cool. I especially liked doing this as an after-dinner drink during the summer months.
Oak Cross
Flavour Descriptors
On the palate, notes of clove and vanilla accent a
sweet maltiness and subtle fruit character.
Recommendations
Suitable as an aperitif served with a chilled water
in the winter months. Full enough to serve as a
summertime digestif. Excellent match for
many cheeses.
Distillery Sourcing
Made entirely of Highland single malt whiskies
led by Teaninich and balanced with malts from the
villages of Brora (for fruitiness) and Carron (for
weight). All 10 to 12 years-old.
Wood
All the whiskies are aged for their primary
maturation in a mix of American oak cask types.
The marrying casks are a mix of first-fill Bourbon
barrels and our proprietary “Oak Cross” casks
made of American and new French oaks.
Bottling Details
Bottled at 43%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.
Guard filtered through a six-micron filter.
On the palate, notes of clove and vanilla accent a
sweet maltiness and subtle fruit character.
Recommendations
Suitable as an aperitif served with a chilled water
in the winter months. Full enough to serve as a
summertime digestif. Excellent match for
many cheeses.
Distillery Sourcing
Made entirely of Highland single malt whiskies
led by Teaninich and balanced with malts from the
villages of Brora (for fruitiness) and Carron (for
weight). All 10 to 12 years-old.
Wood
All the whiskies are aged for their primary
maturation in a mix of American oak cask types.
The marrying casks are a mix of first-fill Bourbon
barrels and our proprietary “Oak Cross” casks
made of American and new French oaks.
Bottling Details
Bottled at 43%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.
Guard filtered through a six-micron filter.
It’s easy to figure out how this brand got its name by reading the Wood section in the above description – it’s called Oak Cross because the casks in which it is aged are made of oak barrels that are a cross between French and American style. This was the second in the tasting and it was definitely a step up from the Asyla; while it had a stronger taste to it, I would still tend to call it more in a “medium” range because it’s not too strong. They were offering a cocktail called the Criss Cross, which was mixed with Oak Cross and St. Germain liqueur; unfortunately, I didn’t get a chance to taste this one – something I deeply regret because I’m a huge fan of St. Germain and think it’s impossible to mix a bad cocktail with this stuff (perhaps I’ll do another thread on that one someday … ).
The Peat Monster
Flavour Descriptors
Rich and loaded with flavour: a bacon-fat
smokiness, full-blown peat, a maltiness, hints
of fruit and spice. The finish is very long, echoing
peat and smoke for several minutes.
Recommendations
A fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky.
Also suitable for taking the chill off a cold day.
Excellent with blue vein cheeses.
Distillery Sourcing
Islay single malts from the village of Port Askaig
as well as some south shore whisky (as of late
2007); and Ardmore. All aged from 10-16 years.
Wood
A mix of first-fill and refill American oak.
Bottling Details
Bottled at 46%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour
Rich and loaded with flavour: a bacon-fat
smokiness, full-blown peat, a maltiness, hints
of fruit and spice. The finish is very long, echoing
peat and smoke for several minutes.
Recommendations
A fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky.
Also suitable for taking the chill off a cold day.
Excellent with blue vein cheeses.
Distillery Sourcing
Islay single malts from the village of Port Askaig
as well as some south shore whisky (as of late
2007); and Ardmore. All aged from 10-16 years.
Wood
A mix of first-fill and refill American oak.
Bottling Details
Bottled at 46%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour
This was the one I was waiting for! My favorite Scotches are the peat – flavored ones because I really like that rich, full – bodied, smoky taste; as a result, I tend to drink anything that comes from the Islay section of Scotland (the source of the peat) like Bowmore and Laphroaig. I’d heard of Peat Monster for a while, but never had a chance to try it, so it was with great anticipation that I approached this tasting. While I enjoyed Peat Monster quite a good deal, I felt that its name was a bit misleading. I was expecting a peat flavor stronger than either Bowmore or Laphroaig, but this was not the case. My first clue to this was the fact that this was a much lighter color than the other two; this is due to the fact that it is a blend of Scotches from Islay and Highland (Speyside) – and this becomes more evident in the taste. While you still get that peaty aroma and taste, it is somewhat offset by its blend with the Highland malt. So, if you want to try a peaty Scotch but have thus far avoided it because you’re afraid it might be a bit too strong, Peat Monster (despite what its name sounds like) might actually be a good introductory peat – flavored Scotch.
Hedonism
Bottling Number: H30 MMVIII
635 cases (of six bottles) produced. Available in
most Compass Box markets.
Flavour Descriptors
Elegant flavours of vanilla cream, toffee, coconut.
Recommendations
As an aperitif, serve with a small amount of
chilled water. Late in the evening, serve neat. Also
makes a great whisky sour.
Distillery Sourcing
Cameron Bridge and Cambus, between the ages of
13 and 28 years-old.
Wood
100% first-fill American oak barrels or
rejuvenated American oak Hogsheads.
Bottling Details
43% abv. Natural colour. Not chill filtered.
635 cases (of six bottles) produced. Available in
most Compass Box markets.
Flavour Descriptors
Elegant flavours of vanilla cream, toffee, coconut.
Recommendations
As an aperitif, serve with a small amount of
chilled water. Late in the evening, serve neat. Also
makes a great whisky sour.
Distillery Sourcing
Cameron Bridge and Cambus, between the ages of
13 and 28 years-old.
Wood
100% first-fill American oak barrels or
rejuvenated American oak Hogsheads.
Bottling Details
43% abv. Natural colour. Not chill filtered.
Finally, Hedonism! Because of the name (obviously), I’ve been dying to taste this one, but was careful to maintain no pre – conceived notions about it, simply because I wanted to try it without any kind of prejudice. From a Scotch standpoint, this is truly a different experience. To begin with, this is something that Compass Box markets in its so – called “Limited Release” range because they only make it once a year. Second, it’s unusual for a Scotch in that instead of being made from a malt, it’s actually a single grain concoction. Lastly, its aroma and taste is something I can only describe as sweet or fruity – the fact that this makes it “the kinder, gentler” Scotch is what makes this one stand out. The Hedonism brand is usually aged around 20 years – but hang on … there’s another one coming that’s aged even longer …
Peat Monster Reserve
Availability
Only 1325 cases of 4 magnums each (1.5L and 1.75L) produced.
Flavour DescriptorsIntense aromas of peet-reek, smoke, seaside character and burnt ropes, with a subtle apple-fruitiness in the background. The palate is full, round and tremendously complex. Water brings out a spice-laden, sweet vanilla character, as well. The finish lasts for many minutes.
RecommendationsA fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky. The magnum bottle makes it appropriate for parties.Distillery Sourcing Islay single malts distilled in the village of Port Askaig as well as one from the south shore of the island. This is balanced with Ardmore and a single malt from the village of Brora.
WoodPrimarily a mix of first-fill and refill American oak, plus approximately 2% new French oak.
Bottling Details Bottled at 48.9%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour
Only 1325 cases of 4 magnums each (1.5L and 1.75L) produced.
Flavour DescriptorsIntense aromas of peet-reek, smoke, seaside character and burnt ropes, with a subtle apple-fruitiness in the background. The palate is full, round and tremendously complex. Water brings out a spice-laden, sweet vanilla character, as well. The finish lasts for many minutes.
RecommendationsA fantastic late-night digestif malt whisky. The magnum bottle makes it appropriate for parties.Distillery Sourcing Islay single malts distilled in the village of Port Askaig as well as one from the south shore of the island. This is balanced with Ardmore and a single malt from the village of Brora.
WoodPrimarily a mix of first-fill and refill American oak, plus approximately 2% new French oak.
Bottling Details Bottled at 48.9%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour
Now we’re getting out of my price range. Peat Monster is Compass Box’s best selling brand. In order to celebrate its fifth anniversary, they have released a Reserve Edition – a one – time only limited offering. This one goes for $175 per bottle and is only sold in a magnum size; even at the 15% discount this store was offering, it was still unaffordable for me (and at this size, I would have a hard time storing it, anyway). If you like a peaty Scotch with a loooong finish, this is the one! This has much more of the smoky flavor you’d expect in an Islay based Scotch because it’s blended with more Laphroaig – based Scotch and less of the Speyside (Highland) Scotch. I really wish I could’ve purchased a bottle of this one!
Hedonism Maximus
Availability
Only 250 cases (of 6 bottles each) produced.
Flavour DescriptorsIntense aromas and flavours reminiscent of crème caramel, spice-laden vanilla cream and toffee. Big, fat and sweet on the palate. Tremendously long finish.
RecommendationsSipped neat.
Distillery Sourcing The Invergordon distillery (distilled in 1965) and the Cameron Bridge distillery (distilled in 1979).
WoodFirst-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels.
Bottling Details Bottled at 46%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.
Only 250 cases (of 6 bottles each) produced.
Flavour DescriptorsIntense aromas and flavours reminiscent of crème caramel, spice-laden vanilla cream and toffee. Big, fat and sweet on the palate. Tremendously long finish.
RecommendationsSipped neat.
Distillery Sourcing The Invergordon distillery (distilled in 1965) and the Cameron Bridge distillery (distilled in 1979).
WoodFirst-fill American oak ex-bourbon barrels.
Bottling Details Bottled at 46%. Not chill filtered. Natural colour.
If Peat Monster Reserve was out of my price range, Hedonism Maximus was WAY out of my price range. Similarly, this is offered in magnum – only quantities, but costs a whopping $325! This is due to a large part because it’s aged twice as long as the regular Hedonism brand – I was told that the bottle I tried was aged 42 years. The main difference with this was definitely in the taste, which was much more intense than the regular Hedonism Scotch. What I particularly liked about it was the fact that you could actually taste the cask in which it was aged. In wines, I happen to prefer those that tend to have a woody flavor to them – in other words, I like to taste the barrel in which it lived. If that’s something that appeals to you also, then Hedonism Maximus might justify breaking your liquor budget.
The tasting conducted at USQ was excellent – in addition to the variety of Scotches, they served sundry cured meats and cheeses which complemented each type. I found the bleu cheese to go particularly well with both Peat Monster brands. If you want to try a Scotch tasting, I’d definitely recommend a similar set-up as it greatly enhances the experience.
All of the Scotches served this evening were being sold at a 15% discount for one night only. Tom, the coordinator of this event, knows me as a regular customer at USQ; when he greeted me at the beginning of the tasting, he handed me the price list and said, “When you’re ready to make a purchase, please let me know – we’ll talk”. A good thing I did! At the conclusion of the evening, I ended up buying a bottle of the Peat Monster (the regular one, not the Reserve); I pointed this out to him and instead of giving me the 15% discount, he DOUBLED it and I wound up with a 30% discount off its usual $60 price!
Ah, yes … yet another reason why USQ is my favorite liquor store … and another reason why I’ll continue to be one of their loyal customers!
