Compass Box Orangerie

Whisky and oranges are great. What about a whisky that hints at oranges? Sounds good, take my money! But wait. I like popcorn and pizza, but popcorn on pizza is questionable. I respect the experimentation of the maker and the company, and most turn out great. This one missed the mark. The aroma is like being inside an orange juice plant. Can't complain, though. I'd enjoy that scent any time of day. (If the company could make a whisky that tasted like breakfast, I'd pay again!). The taste is like a citrus candy. Sweet and orangey. What was I expecting? And the finish? Quick and...yep, orangey! Quite distinctive. It's worth sampling, but I wouldn't call it essential unless you are an extreme orange enthusiast. Funny enough, shortly after buying this, I remembered tasting a different whisky with orange notes at an airport lounge. I found that one superior, offering a more delicate citrus presence. It was more like a subtle hint of orange while enjoying a beverage, rather than an overwhelming immersion. Anyway, to the maker: if you manage to create that breakfast-inspired whisky, I'm ready.

This is a blended Scotch whisky from Compass Box. Price: $40.00. Tested 6/10/16 with 1/2 teaspoon of water in a Glencairn spirits nosing glass. Aroma: STRONG orange, vanilla cream, butter, and cake frosting. Taste: Orange liqueur and allspice. The finish has a rapidly disappearing burn and a medium-length lingering flavor. Final score: 1 out of 5. To me, this isn't whiskey. The sweet orange is so intense that the whiskey characteristics are secondary, making it seem more like cognac. It resembles a high-quality orange liqueur mixed with cognac, similar to Grand Marnier. I've actually moved this from my whiskey collection to the bar for use in cocktails requiring Grand Marnier, seriously. Save your money; while Compass Box usually excels and this sounds intriguing, if you're seeking a whiskey experience, you'll be quite disappointed.

This is certainly strange. It's definitely not whisky; it's quite the experience, but not a pleasant one. At 40% ABV, the bottle is lovely, but the label states orange is infused into the whisky. Peculiar. Intriguing on the nose, yet far too potent to be enjoyable. Orange, lemon, salt, a low-quality car air freshener, remarkably citrusy. It brings to mind the exact taste of a "Tang" drink mix (a powder combined with water creating something resembling orange juice). Vitamin C tablets. On the palate, it's an acidic onslaught. Lemon, lime, and all acidic citrus notes. Orange zest. Unpleasant. The finish has a subtle saltiness. Ultimately, this is not something I would purchase or consume, though I suspect some might appreciate it, perhaps for cocktails. 67/100

Wow, there's quite a bit of negativity here. Yes, the orange is pronounced; it's even on the packaging. The initial taste is intensely bitter orange, but it vanishes almost immediately. It then gives way to a pleasant clove note. This isn't meant to be a general-purpose drink; it's a specialized item not intended for drinking in large quantities. You should treat it almost like an aperitif. Don't let anyone dictate your preferences; sample it yourself to see if you enjoy it. I do, and again, I'm a big fan of rye whiskey and its spiciness. In fact, I'm about to pour some right now.

Served neat: Imagine biting into a fresh, firm, brightly colored orange as if it were an apple. Served on ice: It practically vanishes into dullness. If it were any lighter, it would be a gas. Bottom line: While not repulsive, it's not really a scotch whisky experience. Even my wife likes it (proof positive). P.S. kudos to the incredible person who shared the bottle!

I found it enjoyable. It's designed to taste like orange, and it achieves that well. Easy to drink and offers a distinct flavor. However, it's not something I'd drink daily.