Compass Box Spice Tree

Spice Tree was among my initial explorations of the Compass Box range many years ago. As my palate matured, I decided to revisit Spice Tree. On the nose, cloves and candied ginger combine with some citrus and chocolate, evoking a holiday feeling for me. Perhaps it reminds me of spiced orange cider? The taste features cinnamon spice, cocoa, and honey blossom. I prefer this gradual introduction of flavor over a harsh, abrupt initial impact. As the taste develops, sweet and fizzy orange cider takes prominence, incorporating the earlier cinnamon notes. The finish is relatively short and spicy. The sweet, tongue-tingling sensation of cinnamon begins the finish. A familiar, slightly musty old leather jacket makes a brief appearance amidst the spice before being enveloped by a blend of tannic and sweet notes. Considering its price and availability as a core offering, it's definitely worth trying. It's complex, sweet, and spicy, hitting the spot perfectly. This would be an excellent choice for sipping during the holidays.

Nose: Quite fruity with abundant fresh, juicy pear immediately. Hints of dried red fruit, red wine, vanilla, and caramel. Subtle notes of cinnamon and baking spice suggest some influence. Palate: Sweet and fruity initially, followed by caramel and vanilla, lending a roundness and warmth. Dried red fruit, toffee, chocolate, and a trace of lightly roasted coffee (with bitterness) coat the mid-palate. The finish introduces heat, transitioning the coffee bitterness to a woody oak bitterness. Cinnamon appears, but it's not overpowering. It possesses subtlety with more baking spices: a pinch of cayenne, some sort of nut extract, nutmeg, coriander, and mint. Overall, a fine but rather straightforward nose. Serviceable, but forgettable. The palate is similar: nothing is wrong, but it's not particularly memorable. As expected, my overall feeling about the whisky is the same. I don't regret the purchase, but I wouldn't buy it again.

These impressions are from a blind tasting conducted as part of the Flaviar Advent Calendar. The aroma is quite subdued; it requires some effort but eventually reveals notes of vanilla, fruitcake, oak, dried red fruits, and baking spices. The taste features dried red fruits, clove, baking spices, mint, and a pleasant bitter dark baking chocolate. This is truly delightful. The finish is extended and warm. The baking spices and cloves initially dominate the finish before giving way to pleasing sweet and sour notes of sherry and vanilla. This is a commendable spirit. Highly enjoyable. I'd be happy to have this on hand anytime. My only critique would be the aroma, which remained muted for most of the tasting. However, the taste and finish more than compensate for this, offering an unexpected enhancement upon tasting after smelling. Whatever this is, it's worth the effort. Overall Grade: B+ (Very Good)

A companion and I shared a bottle; I was eager to try it. Nose - The aroma is subtle. I detect nail polish, cinnamon spice, bananas, and apricots, with faint hints of red wine. There are also notes of apples and vanilla. Curiously, after adding two drops of water, I also perceive white chocolate. Palate - This spirit truly excels on the palate more than the nose. It has an oily texture and feel. The flavor is reminiscent of a dry red wine. It's immediately spicy, with the spice making its presence known within two seconds of tasting. It possesses a sweetness akin to pears and apples, with a mild bitterness as well. After two drops, it became considerably sweeter, and the spice persists! Primarily cinnamon spice with hints of nutmeg. I'd estimate a medium finish! An easy drink if you can handle the spice. Overall, a remarkably good blend! It has distinct character and charm!

Nose - as the name suggests, it's spicy with pepper and possibly some cinnamon Taste - honey is prominent, accompanied by peppercorn and woodiness Finish - moderately long, the spiciness mellows here but leaves a lingering tingle on the tongue Score - 3.5 Scoring Guide 5.0 - Outstanding, unparalleled 4.5 - Excellent, a staple to keep stocked if possible 4.0 - Very good, highly enjoyable, a solid choice 3.5 - Good, would sample again 3.0 - Average 2.5 - Acceptable, still drinkable 2.0 - Inferior, drinkable but not enjoyable 1.5 and below—would avoid unless desperate

This is a really good blended malt (no grain). It's fragrant and floral on the nose with a sweet, waxy note. The palate is rich with baking spices, creamy honeyed malt, and waxy tones, alongside toasty barrel notes. The flavors are nice and full, with perhaps a hint of golden apple. It finishes long and without bitterness, offering notes of breakfast tea, spicy malt, and a sweet nectar vibe that I truly enjoy. The lingering impression of waxy honey toast is delicious. This was a fantastic value at the price I paid, and even at the regular cost, it's worth it in my opinion... rated 90/100... it's that good, earning a vaunted 4-star/90s rating.