Compass Box The Spice Tree

Score: 64

Compass Box The Spice Tree made a dramatic entrance in the club’s inaugural tasting, clinching a well-placed second, just a breath away from victory. At 46% ABV, this blended malt Scotch is a masterclass in modern whisky-making, crafted with Highland single malts and matured in custom casks featuring French oak heads and American oak bodies. It’s bold, unconventional, and unapologetically aromatic. Nobody had heard of the Compass Box brand until that evening. And what an introduction it was. The nose was a perfumed swirl of clove, nutmeg, and stewed fruits, with whispers of Rainier cherry and smoked vanilla lingering in the background. On the palate, it delivered a velvety mouthfeel, layered with ginger, allspice, and clove honey, like a spiced orchard wrapped in silk. The finish was long, warm, and just a touch rebellious. For many, it was a revelation: a whisky that broke the rules and still felt refined. Very lovely, indeed. It didn’t just earn second place, it announced Compass Box to the club with flair, setting the tone for future tastings and proving that innovation and elegance can share the same dram.