Compass Box Metropolis - The Extinct Blends Quartet (70cl, 49%)

Metropolis is a blended Scotch from Compass Box, the third release in its Extinct Blends Quartet. It looks back to the blending houses of Glasgow and Edinburgh and was released in September 2023 in an edition of 5,910 bottles. At its heart is Aberlour from re-charred American oak barrels, joined by Miltonduff from first-fill bourbon barrels and Bowmore from refill bourbon barrels for a light, herbal smoke. A refill sherry butt portion, a blended grain and a blended Scotch complete the recipe. It is bottled at 49%, not chill-filtered and without added colour. The nose offers vanilla and honey, then fudge, apricot, pineapple and fresh figs. The palate is rich, with sultanas, apricot and a light smoky wood note, and the finish is long and sweet.