Compass Box Delos The Extinct Blends Quartet 49% NV

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Serge Valentin (85)

Colour: straw. Nose: really nice, malty, bready, with apples and pears, acacia blossom, honeysuckle… Plus cassis buds and berries. A little fresh wood too, it may have been rejuvenated. Mouth: absolutely, it's very nice, full of orchard fruits, apples, peaches, apricots, plus once again some fresh oak spices, nutmeg perhaps… It does feel like a middle-aged Glen Elgin indeed, we know those are good. Plums. Finish: medium, a tad more on sweet bananas, banana cream… That's fresh oak. Good sweet citrus in the aftertaste. Comments: I'm really slow, I still don't quite get it (I mean, given the price). And I'm surprised they have added neither Clynelish, nor Laphroaig, so no actu

BOW (89)

Compass Box Delos: Exploring The Extinct Blends Quartet

Compass Box, renowned for its innovative and boundary-pushing whiskies, has unveiled a remarkable limited edition release called Delos: The Extinct Blends Quartet. Bottled in 2023, this exceptional blend is composed of whiskies distilled at Glen Elgin, Imperial, Miltonduff, and Cameronbridge. Maturing in a combination of Bourbon and Re-Charred American Oak barrels, this 49% ABV offering is a celebration of the past, honoring the heritage of these now-extinct distilleries. With a mere 5520 bottles available worldwide, Delos represents a rare opportunity for whisky enthusiasts to savor a piece of history.

A Tribute to Extinct Distilleries:
The four whiskies that comprise the Delos blend pay homage to distilleries that have sadly vanished from Scotland's whisky landscape. Glen Elgin, Imperial, Miltonduff, and Cameronbridge each have their own distinctive characteristics and histories, and their spirits have been artfully combined to create something truly unique. The whiskies chosen for Delos showcase the craftsmanship and flavor profiles that made these distilleries famous during their operation.

Craftsmanship in Maturation:
To further enhance the flavors and complexity of Delos, Compass Box has expertly matured the blend in a selection of Bourbon and Re-Charred American Oak barrels. Bourbon casks contribute sweetness, vanilla notes, and a warm spiciness, while the re-charred American Oak barrels impart deeper flavors, charred oak, and a rich mouthfeel. The careful selection and blending of these casks result in a whisky that showcases a harmonious interplay of flavors.

Tasting Notes:
Delos: The Extinct Blends Quartet exhibits a captivating array of aromas and flavors. On the nose, one can expect a medley of orchard fruits, including crisp apples and pears, accompanied by honeyed sweetness and subtle floral undertones. The palate reveals layers of butterscotch, vanilla, and toffee, interwoven with hints of baking spices, toasted oak, and a gentle smokiness. The finish is long and satisfying, with a delightful balance of sweet and savory elements, leaving a lasting impression.

Limited Availability:
With only 5520 bottles of Delos available globally, acquiring a bottle is a coveted opportunity for whisky collectors and enthusiasts. Each bottle is individually numbered, highlighting its exclusivity and adding to its desirability. The scarcity of this release ensures that Delos will become a prized possession among whisky connoisseurs and a testament to Compass Box's dedication to crafting exceptional and unique expressions.

Conclusion:
Compass Box Delos: The Extinct Blends Quartet, bottled in 2023, offers whisky lovers a chance to explore and savor the legacy of four extinct distilleries. The expert selection of whiskies from Glen Elgin, Imperial, Miltonduff, and Cameronbridge, along with the careful maturation in Bourbon and Re-Charred American Oak barrels, results in a whisky of unparalleled character and complexity. The limited availability of only 5520 bottles adds to its allure, making Delos a highly sought-after and cherished addition to any whisky collection.

Whisky Notes (87)

Nose: kind of a lemonade for adults. Quite sweet, with pineapple and yellow apple, as well as rich vanilla and hints of honey. Hints of white grapes and faint marshmallow. Then some floral notes and honeyscuckle. The sweetness is toned down a little by candied citrus peels and fresh oak shavings, as well as a hint of old books.

Mouth: fruity spirit from active bourbon wood. There’s creamy apple and nectarine, with tangy lemon juice, green banana, grapefruit peelings and lime. White pepper and a firm woody side. It’s a combination of fruity notes and dry woodiness. Then some crème brûlée and a light leathery touch.

Finish: rather long, with more vanilla and peach coming out, as well as a louder hint of grain whisky and wood spice.

Perhaps a slightly simplistic blend, but if you’re a fan of bright fruitiness, that’s not a problem at all. As a blend, this is pretty great but I have trouble justifying the price – I’ve given the same score to a single malt Glen Elgin that was much cheaper.