Compass Box Flaming Heart (7th Edition)

While blended Scotch isn't usually my go-to, Compass Box can be a notable exception. My first experience with a heavily peated Scotch left my eyes watering from the intense smoke. However, I've recently developed an appreciation for less overpowering peated whiskies, similar to Balvenie's 14 Year Week of Peat. So, I was thrilled to find Compass Box's Flaming Heart available at my neighborhood specialty liquor store. I couldn't resist giving it a try. The aroma is dominated by peat, as expected with most whiskies of this type, but this one offers a slight variation. There's a subtle acidic note, reminiscent of raspberries and smoldering wood. The palate is truly remarkable. It delivers a complex combination of sweetness, smoke, tartness, and savoriness simultaneously. It begins with a hint of nuttiness that evolves into a sweetness akin to milk chocolate, evoking the sensation of a chocolate-covered peanut cluster. The raspberry's tartness then emerges, bridging the sweet and smoky elements. This tartness creates an intriguing texture on the palate, almost a tingling sensation on the tongue. A savory smoke emerges towards the end, yet remarkably, it doesn't erase the lingering tartness that persists from the mid-palate through the finish. The finish itself is enduring, smooth, and deeply gratifying, offering both savory and tart notes concurrently. Absolutely incredible. This exceptional spirit engages the entire palate. Another triumph from Compass Box.

This is decent. Sweet peat, tart apples, pears, and a moderate amount of warmth. As anticipated, the Laphroaig smokiness is quite pronounced. The inclusion of leftover Flaming Heart '18, Arcana, and Nectar seems amusing, like they were just clearing out stock. It's quite easy to drink. However, at $230, it's a very difficult purchase. I'm a huge Compass Box supporter, and I would have enjoyed a sample, but I wouldn't have bought the whole bottle. At $130? Absolutely. But I seem to only complain about pricing lately, so perhaps that's a personal issue.

Orchard fruit and bonfire. Notes of apple peel and orange peel. Sticky toffee pudding. The palate begins with fruit – apples, oranges, toffee – then ashy smoke. Adding water brings out a waxier orange peel note. I really enjoy the nose with water, but prefer the palate without it. It comes across like a moderately peated Clynelish. Quite good. It seemed like a great purchase on clearance for $100.

One of my preferred new whiskies this year. Highly drinkable for a heavily peated malt, and it keeps me wanting more. I suppose being produced by some of my favorite distilleries contributes to this. Get it if you can!

Subtle nose with peat and fresh cut grass, very pleasant! Amazing peat on the palate, so smooth, herbal, salty, with light caramel. Medium-long finish.

Became more vibrant with a splash of water.