As we approach the release of our fourth and final blend from The Extinct Blends Quartet, join us as we cast our minds back and reflect on the journey so far.

The Extinct Blends Quartet has taken us on a voyage of flavours across the tides of time. At Compass Box, we see blends as the creative union of ideas, questions, and relationships – of stories, old and new.

And it’s exactly these stories of old and new that we’ve brought together in The Extinct Blends Quartet, re-visiting the vanished characters and flavours from four of our Whiskymakers’ favourite blended Scotches of yesteryear. Each reimagined using some of our rarest whisky stocks.

ULTRAMARINE

We journeyed beyond choppy tides and crashing waves to taste the enchanting and ethereal flavours of Ultramarine. With this oaky, smoky whisky we navigate back to a deluxe blended Scotch of the late 80s. This peaty whisky with its palate of raisins and roasted pecans conjures images of bracing walks along a rugged coastline.

DELOS

From there, we found retreat in our reimagined island sanctuary of Delos. A study of one of our very own lost whiskies, Delos is the richer and rounder reimagining of Asyla – an extinct blend of grain and malt. Delight in the comfort of the sweet succulence that first greets you followed by soft waves of citrus, pineapple and orange notes combined with decadent vanilla cream.

METROPOLIS

With feet on dry land, we found ourselves bolstered by the hustle and the bustle of the city, the industrious throng represented by Metropolis. Here to remind us that the soul and history of blended whisky can be found in the city, Metropolis tells a tales of old and new. With a truly unique depth and richness, expect nutty, spicy and caramel notes from this blend.

Stay tuned for the full story behind the final release in our intrepid Quartet coming next week. Through thunderous clouds, prepare to embark to the final destination on this flavour odyssey. Shop The Extinct Blends Quartet below.

Macbeth Series – Limited Edition Scotch Whisky – Illustrated by Sir Quentin Blake

A collection of forty-two different whiskies from the length and breadth of Scotland, selected and bottled by Livingstone in partnership with Elixir Distillers. Each whisky represents a character from the Tragedy of Macbeth by William Shakespeare, with illustrations by Sir Quentin Blake and character notes by Dave Broom.

Lady Macduff is one of twelve noble malts in The Thanes series.

Linkwood is an all-time favourite distillery and it was a thrill to find a 31 year old expression of this Speyside Single Malt Scotch whisky, distilled in 1991, that worked so perfectly for Lady Macduff – although I would probably have had to rewrite Macbeth if there wasn’t a place for this amazing whisky.

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CHIVAS BROTHERS LAUNCHES NEW SUSTAINABILITY PARTNERSHIP TO GIVE BACK TO THE RIVERS THAT HELP MAKE ITS SCOTCH

The Scotch whisky producer announces its partnership with three River Trusts to improve the health of rivers and waterways in Scotland 

Chivas Brothers, the Scotch whisky business of Pernod Ricard and maker of global Scotch whisky brands including The Glenlivet and Aberlour, today unveils a new, long-term programme to preserve, protect and improve the health of some of Scotland’s iconic rivers and waterways.

The partnership, called ‘The River Within’, is a collaboration between Chivas Brothers and The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, and the Spey Catchment Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ investment will help protect and restore the select waterways within the Trusts’ combined catchment areas in North-East Scotland – a total of 5,566 km2, some of which flows through Chivas Brothers-owned land – by focusing on enhancing biodiversity, limiting rises to water temperature from climate change and strengthening the longer-term resilience of the rivers.

This partnership is important not just for Scotland’s natural landscapes, but also its heritage industries. Currently 34% of Scotland’s rivers are in compromised ecological health, meaning by the end of this century as a result of climate change, they could face three times as many droughts and up to 40% more flooding, threatening the diversity of life in and around the waterways. Yet waterways are a vital source of life for Scotland’s rich wildlife, as well as a key component and ingredient of whisky making, which depends on the health of the nation’s rivers, banks, burns and springs.

Julie Gallacher, Head of Sustainability & Responsibility at Chivas Brothers, said:

“Scotland’s waterways are the lifeblood of whisky production, so while we use this precious resource responsibly, returning 96% of what we use to its source, we like to think there’s a ‘river within’ each bottle. Many of our distilleries are built on the banks of treasured Scottish rivers and it’s from these waters that our renowned whiskies are endowed with their unique spirit, essence and even their names.“

“Just as we rely on the rivers, the rivers rely on us. The art of whisky making is a delicate balance, so too is the Scottish landscape in which we craft it. That is why we are proud to launch this partnership with the three River Trusts to protect and build a resilient network of Scottish rivers and riverbanks that support biodiversity for generations to come​.“

Richard Miller, Director at The Deveron, Bogie and Isla Rivers Charitable Trust, commented:

“Many of the species Scotland is known for and their habitats are currently facing unprecedented challenges. One of these is the Atlantic Salmon which was recently reclassified by the IUCN from ‘least concern’ to ‘endangered’ in Great Britain.“

“We are delighted to be a partner in ‘The River Within’ programme which will provide essential resources to ensure Deveron fish stocks have free access to cold, clean, water. This will be achieved by removing obstacles to fish passage, creation of 3D buffer strips along field margins, riparian planting, fish refuge creation and habitat restoration. We very much look forward to working with Chivas Brothers on this new and exciting project.“

Bob Laughton, Director at Findhorn, Nairn and Lossie Rivers Trust, commented: 

“We are delighted to welcome this new partnership with Chivas Brothers, and the support it will provide towards our nature recovery ambitions for our river catchments. The aims of ‘The River Within’ are closely aligned with the work on our new flagship project, the Findhorn Watershed Initiative. Chivas Brothers’ support will ensure riparian woodland and river restoration schemes that are currently in development are resourced, helping them to be turned into reality and delivered on the ground.“

“We have been impressed by the leadership being demonstrated by Chivas Brothers and Pernod Ricard in committing significant investment to support the health and resilience of our rivers and look forward to working with them over the years to come.“

Roger Knight, Chief Executive at the Spey Catchment Initiative, commented:

“Spey Catchment Initiative are delighted to join forces with Chivas Brothers in this groundbreaking partnership, ‘The River Within’. This collaboration marks a significant step towards safeguarding and enhancing the vitality of the Spey catchment’s rivers and waterways, which are not only crucial for our native wildlife but also for the communities that live alongside them and industries that thrive because of them.“

“Through this exciting partnership, we are poised to implement targeted projects that will not only address immediate concerns, such as biodiversity enhancement and climate change mitigation, but also ensure the long-term resilience and health of our rivers.“

A range of specific waterway projects are currently being developed in close partnership with the three River Trusts, to commence later this year. These will focus on direct activity along riverbanks and waterways designed to help increase biodiversity and overall health of the river ecosystem. This in turn will help limit the rise of water temperatures, restore floodplain resilience and increase river security. For example, simple practical interventions such as planting new trees along rivers can provide additional shade that helps limit river temperature rises and strengthen riverbanks.

Water stewardship is a critical part of Chivas Brothers’ vision to shape the future of sustainable Scotch. In line with its commitment to preserving and restoring water resources, the company continually monitors water consumption and implements new solutions such as water-cooling technology throughout its operations to prevent waste.

To learn more about the threats facing our waterways, please visit www.chivasbrothers.com/theriverwithin.

This article appears here well after the original publication date and as a matter of interest.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. & Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Release Farmer’s Reserve

Farmer’s Reserve Launch Party Set for Saturday, April 6 at Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Nashville, IN (March 25, 2024) – Hard Truth Distilling Co., an award-winning craft distillery located in Brown County, Indiana announced the introduction of Farmer’s Reserve — the second in a series of four collectible whiskeys in collaboration with Mellencamp Whiskey Company.

Farmer’s Reserve will be officially introduced on Saturday, April 6 at the Hard Truth distillery campus, starting with a bottle signing by the makers at 10 a.m. that day — part of a full weekend of live music and events leading up to a party celebrating the Monday, April 8 total solar eclipse.

Like Harvest Rye before it, and each of the four collector’s series whiskeys from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey, Farmer’s Reserve features a unique whiskey expression created by Hard Truth’s Master Distiller Bryan Smith with Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison, the co-founders of Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Each bottle’s label in the series features original artwork by John Mellencamp. Farmer’s Reserve showcases a 1991 painting called American Boy And Girl. The two figures in the oil-on-canvas are a nod to the composition of Farmer’s Reserve, which brings two very different whiskeys together in one bottle.

According to Smith, the new Mellencamp Whiskey Co. expression is a perfect marriage of Hard Truth’s Chocolate Malt Rye and Sweet Mash Bourbon, which has then been rested on toasted Amburana, a Brazilian wood that has seen recent popularity in finished whiskeys.

“Farmer’s Reserve builds beautifully on our mission to produce great whiskeys in collaboration with Hard Truth and the local farmers that will produce the highest quality regional flavor profiles,” said Hud Mellencamp.

Farmer’s Reserve will be available at the Hard Truth distillery campus starting Saturday, April 6, and out in the greater market over the weeks following. It is 106 proof (53% ABV) with a suggested retail price of $69.99.

As for Harvest Rye, the first collaboration whiskey from Hard Truth and Mellencamp Whiskey, it’s all been shipped out, though a limited quantity of bottles are still available for stores to reorder through distributors. Collison said once it’s gone, it’s gone for good, although he admitted keeping a few in his collection that will be “sipped slowly.”

“The success of Harvest Rye has us energized for our second release and the amazing whiskey that’s coming next,” said Collison. “Farmer’s Reserve is an exceptional new whiskey, and fans of the first release will love this one.”

About Mellencamp Whiskey Co.

Mellencamp Whiskey Co. has partnered with Hard Truth Distilling Co. to release a limited series of collectible sweet mash whiskeys in support and celebration of America’s heartland farmers. This collaboration is founded on the deep friendship between the founders of Mellencamp Whiskey Company, Hud Mellencamp and Levi Collison, and Hard Truth Distilling Co. Master Distiller, Bryan Smith.

Hud’s connection to farming communities runs deep as he is the son of one of the founders of Farm Aid, a charity that assists farmers across America. In alignment with this is Hard Truth’s Grounded in Truth initiative, which supports local farmers in collaboration with partner organizations like Farm Aid, its current giving partner. This commitment to supporting local farmers and sourcing top-notch ingredients perfectly aligns with their values.

Together, the two companies are producing whiskeys that are crafted with the finest locally sourced ingredients, a testament to their shared values and dedication to their beloved home state. They look forward to sharing this unique collaboration with whiskey enthusiasts worldwide. 

About Hard Truth Distilling Co.

Hard Truth Distilling Co. is an industry leader in the production of sweet mash whiskey. Headquartered in Nashville, Indiana, they produce more than 20 premium craft spirits, including the critically acclaimed Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey and top-selling Hard Truth Cinnamon Vodka, Hard Truth Maple Bourbon Cream, Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum, and Hard Truth Toasted Coconut Rum Cream.

Hard Truth Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey is a culmination of years of careful planning and precise crafting. The result is a complex, pleasant, high-quality rye that has garnered numerous honors including Hard Truth’s first batch of Sweet Mash Rye Whiskey which was named in the top 50 of Fred Minnick’s Top 100 American Whiskeys of 2021, and since then has taken home a gold medal in USA Spirits awards, double platinum medal in the Ascots, and scored a 93 by Whiskey Advocate. Most recently, a barrel-finished expression of Sweet Mash Rye was named the #34 best American Whiskey from over 900 whiskeys tasted in Fred Minnick’s Top 100 of 2023.

Hard Truth is currently celebrating a milestone with the release of its first bourbons all produced grain-to-glass. According to Hard Truth co-founder and Master Distiller Bryan Smith, this moment marks a new chapter in the Hard Truth story. The new bourbons include Hard Truth Sweet Mash Bourbon, Wheated Bourbon, and Four Grain Bourbon. The Sweet Mash Bourbon was released at 90-proof, and both Wheated Bourbon and Four Grain Bourbon are 100-proof and bottled-in-bond.

Hard Truth’s spirits are distributed in Arkansas, Florida, Indiana, Illinois, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Missouri, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, Ohio, Rhode Island, Tennessee, Texas, Vermont, Wisconsin, Wyoming, Washington, D.C., and the Bahamas.

March 2024 Auction ENDS TONIGHT- 08.04.24

ENDS TONIGHT: March Auction

Our March auction ends tonight! Featuring over 7000 rare whiskies and fine spirits, this is a unique opportunity to bid on some of the world’s most sought-after bottles. We’re excited to share the inaugural Demeter Collection in partnership with the OurWhisky Foundation. Featuring 18 singular lots crafted and inspired by the industry’s most talented women, proceeds from the auction will go to the OurWhisky Foundation.

Cadenhead ‘dumpie’ selection

Karuizawa 1986 Single Sherry Cask #2399 / Scotch Whisky Research Centre – One of 15

The Demeter Collection

For a full lot guide, see our digital magazine 📖

Lost Inverness Distilleries

Club delle Fattorie Connoisseur’s Choice

Gleann Mòr Rare Find has produced this 34 year old Blended whisky from casks selected by Greg Urquhart. Blended at birth and rested in a Sherry Butt for its full maturation.

Cask Type: Sherry Butt #114

Distilled: 1989 Bottled: 2023

Non-chill Filtered | Natural Colour | Cask Strength

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Light smoke, caramel chews and custard

Palate: Toasted marshmallow, salted caramel and milk chocolate covered peanuts

Finish: Soft notes of cigar ash, milky coffee and pepper.

54.9%

£285.00

Imperial 26 Year Old – 1995 | Single Malts of Scotland – Marriage of Casks

This very rare expression has been created from single malt distilled in 1995 at the Imperial distillery and matured in American oak refill barrels for 26 years. Only 198 bottles have been produced of this well aged Imperial, from the sadly now lost distillery. Imperial distillery closed its doors in 1998 and was demolished in 2013. Bottled by Elixir Distillers as part of the excellent Single Malt of Scotland series.

£828.00

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NOSE

A freshly opened bag of lemon bon bons, with all the vanilla and citrus dust spilling out. A richness akin to juicy, honeydew melon, plays against notes of meadow flowers on a warm day.

PALATE

At first it is beautifully delicate with an interplay of light custard, strawberries, and mint. With time in the glass, ginger spice balances the sweet vanilla while a dusty milk chocolate note creates depth.

FINISH

The warm summers day feel continues into the finish with dried grass and haystacks with a touch of blossom honey.

Is a $2000 Scotch better with Coca-Cola than Jack Daniels!?

My guilt is immeasurable.

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