Tasting Notes and Characteristics:

Compass Box Metropolis opens with a vibrant, layered palate that feels both contemporary and classic, making it an excellent choice for gatherings or quiet evenings alike. With an ABV of 49%, this Scotch whisky delivers a robust yet approachable character. Crafted in Scotland, it showcases Compass Box’s signature blending artistry, combining select malt and grain whiskies to achieve complexity and balance.

On the nose and palate, Metropolis offers notes of baked apple, honeyed cereal, gentle spice, and subtle oak. Hints of dried fruit mingle with a touch of vanilla creaminess. These flavors make it a delightful companion for charcuterie boards—the whisky’s spice and fruit notes complement cured meats beautifully—while its underlying smokiness pairs elegantly with smoked salmon, enhancing both the fish’s richness and the whisky’s depth.

Producer Information: Compass Box

Compass Box is an independent Scotch whisky producer based in London, England. Founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director at Johnnie Walker, the company was established with the aim of bringing creativity and transparency to the world of blended Scotch whisky. Compass Box sources high-quality malt and grain whiskies from various distilleries across Scotland, focusing on innovative blending techniques and maturation processes. Their production approach emphasizes clarity about cask types, age statements when possible, and a commitment to non-chill filtration and natural color.

The broader Compass Box portfolio showcases a diverse range of blended malt whiskies, blended grain whiskies, and limited-edition releases that highlight unique flavor profiles. In addition to their core expressions like The Peat Monster and Spice Tree, they frequently experiment with different wood finishes such as French oak or sherry casks. Compass Box is also known for collaborations with bars and retailers on exclusive bottlings that explore new taste dimensions within Scotch whisky. While their primary focus remains on whisky blends rather than single malts or other spirits like gin or rum, their creative philosophy has influenced trends in transparency and innovation throughout the global spirits industry.