Compass Box Bounty Hunter

This is my initial purchase of a custom bottling from Compass Box Whisky: Bounty Hunter. This expression was crafted for a private client, Bounty Hunter Wine & Spirits, located in Napa, California. They enlisted John Glaser to produce a limited release of only 369 bottles, intended exclusively for their store and online sales. The limited production likely contributed to the $150 price tag, rather than the components themselves. It's a pleasant blend, but definitely not worth the asking price. It presents a beautiful, pale yellow-gold color, leaving thin, fast-moving legs in the Glencairn. Numerous small beads near the rim suggest it wasn't significantly diluted from its stated 46% ABV. This blend was created in June 2017 and bottled in October of the same year. I did not inquire with CBW about the specific composition, as it wasn't distinct enough for me to bother. It bears a resemblance to Double Single/Lost Blend/Hedonism, characterized by grainy, waxy, and fruity elements. The nose is somewhat unremarkable: candied corn, light orchard fruits, melted candle wax, with a very faint oak presence. I detected no smoke, so I'd be surprised if it contained more than 5-10% Islay or Island whisky, if any. I suspect a significant portion is Clynelish and/or Dailuaine. The palate is dominated by waxy notes, which seem to characterize most CBW blends not focused on smoke. The grainy characteristics are not prominent here either, which I see as a positive. It's very smooth, with subtle sherry and notes of apples and pears. It closely resembles many recent CBW single malts I've sampled. The finish is of medium to long duration. It begins with an oily texture, transitioning to dry oak and sawdust, with a hint of what might be perceived as smoke, though I believe it's more likely from a heavily charred ex-bourbon cask. It's certainly not robust; more like the faint aroma of a campfire extinguished hours prior. As it stands, it's a competent CBW offering. However, Bounty Hunter is significantly overpricing it. This bottle should be valued at $80 at most, and I'd argue that one could achieve a similar experience by combining half the Glasgow blend with either Lost Blend or Phenomenology. It earns 3.75 stars, but the price necessitates a deduction, bringing it to 3 stars overall. If you're a collector, it might be worth acquiring, but if you're seeking an exceptional CBW bottle, I strongly advise saving your money and looking elsewhere. Cheers.

This special release, intended for the online merchant Bounty Hunter, seems to have gone unnoticed, as I only discovered its existence while looking for something else. Only 369 bottles of this blend exist, crafted from no fewer than nine distinct malt components from the Highlands, Speyside, and Islay regions, along with two grain sources. Fifty percent of the spirit spent time aging in sherry butts. The aromas emanating from the glass are captivating: initially, pears and lemon, followed by green apple drizzled with treacle, all set against a subtle backdrop of fresh pepper. The initial taste delivers a powerful surge of rich flavor that settles into notes of cornbread, lemongrass, and pepper flakes. The finish is extended, zesty, and dry. This represents the pinnacle of Compass Box's offerings, the finest of the three custom bottlings I've sampled. The individual elements are in perfect balance, with the sherry and Islay influences consistently present yet not overshadowing the more delicate spirits. The only drawback is the substantial $150 price tag, but dedicated Compass Box collectors will not be disappointed.

Thanks to a friend for providing a taste, this is my Friday night drink. If Hedonism, Phenomenonology, Asyla, and Great King St Artist Blend somehow produced offspring, this would be it. Pears, lemon, shortbread, a hint of grain warmth, lingonberries. It evokes summer. This is excellent stuff. At $150, it's expensive though. If you're a fan of Compass Box, it's an obvious purchase just for its distinctiveness. If you're indifferent, then the $150 could be better allocated to something like a bottle of Hedonism or Great King St, with money left over. So, ranking Compass Box favorites—I'd place The General far above the others, then No Name, Circus, a tie between this, Hedonism, Phenomenonolgy, and 3, with Asyla and Great King St at the bottom. Thanks to my friend for the taste!