Compass Box "Myths & Legends II" Single Malt Scotch Whiskey (750ml)

The unique exercise that Myth & Legends represents continues here with one of the Speyside's finest unsung distillery, a single malted blend of Elgin at what we assume is various ages (John can't publish the ages) but it's said to be between 16 and 23 years of age. So this "16-year-old" Glen Elgin was aged in mostly Rechard American Oak Barrel (59.2%). Refill & Recharr American Oak Hoggies and Refill Sherry Butts and American Oak barrels make up the difference. The resulting whisky reminds me a great deal of a distillery release balancing multiple cask types into what can only be described as the "house style". Elgin tends to have a nice balance of fruit, spice and earth character and this expression is no different. A nose of green tea, miel de tilleul, poached pear with subtle notes of white pepper and anise. On the palate the sweetness is there but not overwhelming. Instead the lovely herbal and peppery aromatics take charge here tamed by a melted caramel component. Just about the best Glen Elgin we can get right now.

Another single malt designed to challenge your notions about Scotch. This one is 100% Glen Elgin. It ranges from 16 years old on up to 23 years old and sports a variety of barrel types. There is a touch of 23 year old sherry aged malt and a combination of refilled, recharred, and re coopered American oak. The bulk of the blend is nearly 60% 18 year old laying down a foundation of baked apples, sweet baking spices, and tropical fruits. The palate has plenty of richness and presence with lots of sweet butterscotch hard candy, but ultimately falls into the bright and light category. The spiciness persists for a long time on the finish. Sweeter spices like cinnamon and nutmeg intertwine with cracked black pepper, cocoa nibs, and crushed green walnuts.