Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend The Unholy Triumvirate Single Marrying Cask #31

The Unholy Triumvirate is a collection of four distinct variations of Compass Box’s Great King St Artist’s Blend, created for three shops in Massachusetts. Each variation was made by transferring the standard blend into a barrel that previously held another whisky and allowing it to rest for a year of additional aging. These single marrying casks, as Compass Box refers to them, each yielded between 240 and 318 bottles at a strong 49% ABV. This contrasts with the standard blend’s 43% ABV, so they ought to be noticeable for their heightened alcohol content as well as their secondary maturation flavors. Despite their limited availability, these bottles hadn't exactly sold out rapidly at the store where I found them, and they were reduced in price from $50 to $40 each. At that cost, it was easy to justify purchasing a set, if only to spare you wonderful people the effort of doing so. I didn't have the standard blend available for comparison when sampling these over several evenings, but it's a delightful whisky that I previously gave four stars for its smooth drinking qualities and light, summery flavors. The marrying casks, for the most part, taste richer and more suitable for a different season or event. I enjoyed them all, but if one stood out as worth acquiring instead of or in addition to the standard blend, it was cask #31. This one was finished in a cask that previously held a Highland malt, and the wood has contributed some wonderful harmonies to the original spirit. The nose offers malt and ginger tea, while the bready notes in the mouth evoke sourdough with a hint of salt. It feels substantial and hearty on the palate, even spirited. The lingering taste concludes the malty profile with a sense of buttered toast. I will provide brief tasting notes for the other three on their respective sections. I rate them three stars each, and while they aren't as exceptional as this cask, they are all definitely worth trying if you encounter them.

A friend shared this expression of the Compass Box Great King St Artist’s Blend Single Marrying Cask. It’s the Artist’s Blend returned to some of the casks from the initial blend, aged an additional year, and bottled close to cask strength. This specific cask (No 31) was bottled at 49% ABV and provides a more profound insight into the Artist’s Blend's potential when allowed to mature further. This is the fourth distinct batch I’ve sampled. The previous three showcased more prominent fruit than this one. This particular bottling presented pleasant floral notes and substantial oak character, with the fruit playing a supporting role. The taste was peppery, accented by the zest of ginger root. It was spicy and oaky, with only faint traces of orchard fruit. The finish is moderate in length but carries a bit of heat. The ginger and pepper, amplified by the higher alcohol content, create a warmer sensation. I feel this expression diverges more from the typical Artist’s Blend than the others I’ve encountered, and not necessarily for the better. My preference for the Artist’s Blend is for it to be smooth and highly drinkable, which this one did not quite achieve. I still believe it deserves at least 3 stars, as all these expressions maintain a balanced flavor profile and drinkability. However, this particular batch wasn't my top choice. Cheers.

We men are animals. Simply animals. You know, it’s as if we have a wonderful partner at home, who dedicates herself to the family and her career, managing everything perfectly... yet, we find ourselves attracted to others, our thoughts wandering to the 'what ifs'. It's ingrained in us. I'm certain it's in the Y chromosome. So... the same applies to whiskey, doesn't it? You'd be perfectly content with reliable choices like Ardbeg 10, Lag 16, and the Compass Box Great King St pairings. Yet, here we are. Here we are embracing all sorts of variety and spice in our lives, moving away from the usual suspects. So, that leads me to this gem. Pears, orchard fruits, more complexity and body than the standard CB Great King St. It has a bit more depth and a more restrained character. I'm unsure of its price, but if it's the same as the standard offering, it's an easy choice. If it's more than the standard GKS, then it comes down to how much of a devoted fan you are of CB. Thanks to a friend from the other side of NJ for this sample!

Great King Street Artist Blend 40% Smells like perfectly baked apples The taste and finish are somewhat lacking

Recorded in Nashville, TN, in the spring of 2022.