Compass Box Delos

This blended Scotch is a limited edition of 5,520 bottles. It comprises 33.4% Imperial single malt aged in first-fill bourbon casks, 28.5% Glen Elgin single malt aged in recharred American oak, 21.2% Miltonduff single malt aged in first-fill bourbon, and 16.9% The Cameronbridge single grain aged in first-fill bourbon. It is one of four releases in Compass Box’s Extinct Quartet series, which are inspired by previously discontinued blends. Delos is inspired by Compass Box’s Asyla. Delos is bottled at 49% ABV and costs approximately $300-350. I recall Asyla as being unremarkable. It was an adequate summer drink that satisfied a desire for a smooth, vanilla-forward Scotch matured only in ex-bourbon casks, without any influence from sherry aging or peat. Delos is an expensive attempt at being unmemorable. This is a perfectly crafted whisky matured in first-fill bourbon casks. While “well-aged” was debatable with Asyla, Delos is clearly aged appropriately. The distinct vanilla and fruitcake notes from first-fill bourbon are enhanced by hints of dusty leather, apricots, mustiness, and a wonderfully rich honey. The mouthfeel of Asyla is thick and syrupy, like honey. It transitions from an initially creamy, sweet profile to a grassy, herbal finish. This is genuinely delightful. I imagine this is what Asyla would become if aged in a bourbon cask for 20 years. I hesitate to open a bottle of Asyla for comparison because Asyla on the secondary market is priced similarly to Delos, which highlights a common issue with Compass Box releases: they are expensive and collectible. I wouldn't say Delos is overpriced, as the well-aged Imperial single malt is not commonly available, but is opening a bottle truly worthwhile? In ten years, I will remember Delos merely as a very nice, expensive whisky that, once it reaches $1000 on the secondary market, I will regret opening. Compass Box has released recent spirits that I am glad I opened – Vellichor was like a woman shredding an electric guitar in a library – but Delos? It's like a woman playing a harp in a fancy restaurant. It's pleasant; it's quaint; but ultimately, it's a significant expense for something forgettable.

This very sophisticated and expensive, the second bottling in the "Extinct Blends Quartet" series from Compass Box, was "Delos". I eagerly acquired it after thoroughly enjoying the first offering, Ultramarine. This installment recounts the history of a recently extinct blend from their own company, Compass Box Asyla, (which was so common that its discontinuation in 2018 went unnoticed by me). A higher proof variation of that blend is named Delos, after a significant Greek island known for its enduring mosaics despite being uninhabited. Mythologically, this island is said to have risen from the sea, lifted by Poseidon's trident at Zeus's command, serving as a playground for Apollo and Artemis. This elegant bottle is presented at 49% ABV, and we'll see if it matches Ultramarine's quality. On the nose, it's incredibly fruity, with notes of pear, green apples, pineapple, banana, lemon, and fruit spice. It's slightly sweet and glazed. After a taste, the aroma shifts to a more yeasty character, reminiscent of a small-town bakery and sponge cakes. On the palate, it wasn't overwhelmingly impressive but was quite good. It's creamy and spicy, with flavors of stewed apples and bananas. Further sips revealed a subtle hint of smoke. The finish was its strongest point. A dry sensation of red chili, accompanied by mineral, sulfur, and metallic notes. It also had hints of cough syrup, smoke, and greasiness. Truly remarkable. While I wasn't a big fan of Asyla back in the day, I consider this second release less impressive than Ultramarine. Nevertheless, it's a perfectly decent whisky. The score might seem a bit high due to its excellent finish. Considering its initial price, it's not the best value available, but I suspect it will appreciate in value as part of the complete collection. A fair rating is 89 out of 100; it nearly reached 90 but fell short.

An interesting question arises: is it inappropriate to post notes here if you plan to offer a YouTube video early to patrons? The likely answer is yes, but I'm enjoying my second pour and wanted to document my thoughts, as this is simpler. Nose - The aroma is pretty much as anticipated. Abundant fruits, bright toasted oak, and a significant amount of vanilla. Taste - Let's set aside the flavor for a moment to discuss its rich and oily texture. Those first-fill bourbon casks, aged for over 20 years, have worked their magic, leaving this with buttery levels of oils and richness. It presents as rich, oily vanilla, followed by fresh toast and butter, then white pepper and cinnamon join in with robust oak and orchard fruits. This spirit is a fantastic illustration of how lighter, softer malts and grains, when matured in quality first-fill bourbon casks, impart rich sweetness. This is a wonderfully easy-drinking and intricate whisky, but at $320? I can't endorse it at this price unless you're collecting every Compass Box bottle. Still, obtaining a piece of 20+ year old Imperial does at least pique my interest enough to have paid for it. 3.5 out of 5. The author is a user.

My goodness. The aroma is like an exotic floral bouquet that, as it develops, expands to feel like a walk through a blooming orange orchard. In the mouth, it's delicately sweet with notes of fruit and vanilla, plus some oak. It coats the palate completely and has a pleasant, though not overly long, finish.