Compass Box Crimson Casks (70cl, 46%)

Crimson Casks is a blended malt from Compass Box, bottled at 46% in a 70cl bottle. It is described as rich, full-bodied and spicy, and its name nods to the casks used to age it: red wine casks and seasoned sherry butts, a tribute to the barrels of the Jose y Miguel Martín Bodega in Jerez, Spain. The nose is spicy, with molten chocolate cake, clove and cardamom. The palate leans towards stewed fruit, with plum jam, red currant jelly and ripe cherry, and woody notes add depth. The finish is long, with caramel, toasted oak, raisins, honey and brown sugar.