Compass Box Secrets of Smoke – 52%

In the world of peated Scotch malt whiskies, smoke intensity tends to dominate the debate. What is often overlooked is the sweetness inherent in peated malts and hidden behind lager fires.

Over the years, Compass Box has experimented with the maturation of peated whiskies in sherry and wine casks. With Secrets of Smoke, the whisky makers have succeeded in using these casks to break through the smoky shell and release the surprising sweetness at the heart of peated whiskies.

Casks flavoured with Palo Cortado sherry underline the toffee-apple characteristics of Caol Ila’s malt whisky. Refill red wine barrels lure bright cherry notes from the depths of The Peat Monster, Compass Box’s own blend of Islay malts. And Marsala casks bring the flavours of oat bars with blueberries to the surface of Laphroaig whisky.

Composition:
The Peat Monster Blended Malt (from Caol Ila Single Malt, Williamson Single Malt & Highland Malt Blend, 33.9%), Caol Ila Single Malt (33.1%), Ardmore Single Malt (22%), Laphroaig Single Malt (5.7%), Blended Malt Parcel (2.8%), Bowmore Single Malt (2.5%)

Cask type:
Second Fill Spanish Red Wine Barrel, First Fill Paol Cortado Seasoned Sherry Butt, First Fill Sherry Hogshead, First Fill Marsala Barrique, Recharred Hogsheads, Refill Bourbon Barrel