Compass Box Great King St Artist's Blend The Unholy Triumvirate Single Marrying Cask #68

Thanks to a friend, I'm able to sample more variations of the Compass Box Great King St Artist’s Blend Single Marrying Cask. This is the Artist’s Blend returned to some of the casks used for the initial blend and aged for an additional year, then bottled close to cask strength. This specific cask (No 68), bottled at 49% ABV, offers a deeper glimpse into what the Artist’s Blend could be with more time. This is the fifth different batch I’ve had the chance to try. This last sample from my friend seems to strike a balance between fruity and grainy. It might be the best of the Marrying Cask bottlings I’ve sampled. The nose presents abundant lively citrus and oak cask notes. The fruit is somewhat subdued but also lightly floral. There's considerable depth if you allow the aroma to develop. The palate is bright with lemon and citrus, feeling more vibrant and smooth. The flavors blend with orchard fruits that linger well past the halfway point. It has a richer, warming quality compared to the others, creating a fuller mouthfeel. The oak cask also provides a solid foundation. The finish could be the longest of the five I’ve tried, though it's still not exceptionally long. The added duration becomes slightly harsh at the very end, but the sweet fruits prevent it from spoiling the overall experience. This one scores 3.5-3.75 stars, and I think if it were readily available, I'd prefer it over the standard Artist Blend. If it costs around $40, it's a fantastic value. My thanks again to my friend for sharing pours of four more Marrying Cask bottlings. This was an enjoyable experiment. Cheers, everyone.

Thanks to a friend, I brought this sample along on a business trip to Orlando, thinking it would be a nice way to unwind after long workdays. I had previously tried the Highland version, which I found to be a more intricate dram. This one seemed lighter, more delicate... perhaps better suited for mixed drinks? An interesting experiment. Thank you, friend!

Less intense on the nose compared to the Highland casks, showing notes of mint and lemon. The palate is sweet, featuring a tamarind-like tang that lingers on the extended finish. Refer to cask #31 for details regarding this collection.