Compass Box Whisky Company, founded in 2000, is located on Great King Street in the heart of Edinburgh, Scotland, an area known for its stunning Georgian neo-classical architecture. According to John Glaser, the company's founder, this location is fitting for a company that employs a modern approach to whisky-making, drawing inspiration from the Enlightenment thinking that inspired the construction of the street.
Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow Blend Blended Scotch Whisky is a prime example of this innovative approach, dedicated to creating full-flavored blended scotch whiskies using a contemporary approach that harkens back to the late 19th century. Glaser, a four-time winner of Whisky Magazine's Innovator of the Year Award, crafted this blend by combining 67% malt whisky from Islay, Speyside, and the Highlands, with 33% grain whisky from a Lowland distillery in Fife.
The blend includes Islay malt from the south shore of the island, vatted with fruity malt from Brora and a rich, sherried Speyside malt from Aberlour. The whisky has been matured in a combination of first-fill sherry casks, first-fill and refill ex-bourbon barrels, and new French oak casks.
Compass Box Great King Street Glasgow Blend Blended Scotch Whisky boasts a peaty smokiness aroma with hints of pomegranate juice, citrus, and plums. On the palate, notes of sherry, berries, and citrus dominate, leading to a full, round finish with a touch of sweetness. Glaser considers this blend a "craft blend," appealing to both whisky enthusiasts and novices looking for a unique alternative to malt whiskies.