Spice Tree Extravaganza – 45% abv

Info: Spice Tree Extravaganza, sees former banned bottling The Spice Tree reinterpreted with the use of “older components” and a “significant portion” of Sherry-cask matured aged malt whisky. 12,240 bottles, no colouring, no chill filtration.
Colour: Fully golden with autumnal hints.
Nose: The nose is, as you’d expect, spicy! Wood spices galore. With some air you start to get lots of other wonderful aromas, malt and citrus and summer fruits with cream.
Palate: The palate is upfront with spice and oils, it covers your tongue with a tingly spirit that stops getting too spicy that it overpowers you and remains really enjoyable. Wood oaks and sweet fruity malt is there along with a creaminess and hints of char smoke.
Finish: Almost smoky with cask char, the ending is long and fairly spicy, oaky and fun. There’s hints of ginger, and a good nod to the sherry influence that is in the blend.
Thoughts: With so much spice I was worried this would over power my palate and end up being too woody and tannin lead. That’s not the case at all, it’s spicy, yes, but it’s enjoyable, balanced, sweet and great quality… as you come to expect from Compass Box!
Available: Master of Malt – £91.95

Thanks to Compass Box for the sample.

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