We have been in the process of refreshing our spirits selection, and the first batch of new bottles has hit our shelves. There are some great new whiskies and rums…the only problem is fitting them all on the shelves!

Paul engaged in an epic game of 'Bottle Tetris'

One of the most exciting products we have brought in is the Spice Tree, a Blended Scotch Malt Whisky from artisinal whiskymakers, Compass Box. Many Single Malt Whisky enthusiasts turn their nose up at blended whisky, which suffers from a bit of an image problem thanks to the cheap, poor quality ‘supermarket’ blends that bring down the reputation of the category. Fortunately, there are companies out there that are working hard to change this image. Whiskymakers, such as Compass Box, prove that by using only the best quality spirits and barrels in the blend, a whisky can be created that is truly greater than the sum of its parts.

The leader of the operation is Compass Box’s founder, John Glaser, who has been described by Saveur Magazine as “an artist”. John, a former Global Marketing Director for Johnnie Walker, started the company in his kitchen, where he fine-tuned his first blends. As Compass Box has grown he has maintained a strict attention to detail – all the casks are bought individually and hand-selected, and the quality of the spirit is carefully monitored. The whiskies are never chill-filtered, nor do they contain any added colour. It is this artisinal approach that has earned them four ’Whisky Innovator of the Year’ awards in the last 9 years!

Compass Box ‘Spice Tree’ Blended Scotch Malt Whisky
Compass Box have worked their magic with this blend, produced with 100% malt whisky, with Clynelish spirit being the primary ingredient. Tawny gold in colour, it has a sweet and spicy nose, with complex aromas of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and clove. The palate is stunningly rich, with vanilla, lime and lemongrass flavours embellished by plenty of spice and stewed fruit.