Compass Box Magic Cask is a limited edition blended malt scotch whisky created by Compass Box, an award-winning independent bottler and blender based in Scotland. This whisky is a marriage of single malts sourced from various distilleries, resulting in a unique and complex flavor profile. Magic Cask is a culmination of the artistry and craftsmanship of Compass Box. It is a rich and velvety whisky with a captivating aroma and a depth of flavors that unfold with each sip. The whisky is crafted with a combination of malt whiskies matured in American oak casks, hand-selected by the talented team at Compass Box. The name "Magic Cask" alludes to the special casks used in the maturation of the whisky.
Magic Cask is perfect for those who appreciate lush fruitiness and fullness of body in their malt whiskies. Pour Magic Cask after dinner and savour its medley of autumn fruits and dark chocolate.
One-year-old malt spirit, made at a Speyside distillery famous for the robust character of its whiskies, was re-racked into first fill Oloroso-seasoned butts. Then, there are blends with fewer components, so each part plays a bigger role in the final product, but none are the star; instead, it s an ensemble.
The name "Magic Cask" alludes to the special casks used in the maturation of the whisky. These casks are said to have a magical influence on the whisky, imparting unique flavors and aromas that contribute to its distinct character. The exact nature of these casks remains a closely guarded secret, adding an air of mystery and allure to the whisky.
Compass Box Magic Cask
There are few foods in the world that are best all on their own. A spoonful of honey? A raw oyster? The incredible edible egg? Most foods need help from others to really shine. It may need something simple like a pinch of salt or a complicated sauce. There are countless ways to mix and match food to create something tasty.
T his is one of the reasons I have always liked blends. They are an attempt to make something new out of parts already known. As a drinker who enjoys Scotch for its variety, I’m always happy to see the spectrum of styles widen. When you look at a breakdown of a blend on a tech sheet you can usually see the approach of the blender. There are blends with many components, all in tiny proportion that, if done well, harmonize like an orchestra. This is the hardest needle to thread, but you can see some great examples of this out of Japan.
Then, there are blends with fewer components, so each part plays a bigger role in the final product, but none are the star; instead, it’s an ensemble. Lastly, there is the blend that isn’t seen as much, one made from mostly one whisky with another component or two to round it out. Think of it as a diva with an accompaniment. This is the style of blend we’ll be looking at today.
I imagine this kind of blend isn’t seen much because it isn’t very repeatable. Most blends are created to bottle a consistent whisky over and over again. “Divas” don’t come around all that often, and when they do, they’re usually bottled all on their own. Yet, this is not the first time (nor do I imagine the last time) Compass Box has put together a “minimal” blend like this. They’ve also made a few iterations of the Double Single: A blend of a single malt and single grain. Creating a whisky that’s like a duet.
I haven’t picked up a new blend from Compass Box in a long time. In the early days, they took a lot of my money, and I was happy to give it. Their standard blends and limited releases were different, but most importantly, satisfying. Though like most good things, it couldn’t last. Time marched on, and their new limited releases got more expensive while the quality didn’t necessarily follow suit. So the company’s latest releases soon fell off my radar.
However, when I saw what was in the Magic Cask blend, I threw caution to the wind and got a bottle. The blend is comprised of 92% 24-year-old Imperial aged in a first fill ex-bourbon barrel and 8% of a 3 year old single malt (from a distillery near the town of Aberlour) that had been racked into a first fill Oloroso sherry butt.
In fact, I have Compass Box to thank for introducing me to Imperial. (Compass Box, if you’re reading this: cheers!) I first tried it in a limited release called Rivals, a blend made mostly of Macallan, but there was a unique character I couldn’t trace. I attributed it to the Imperial. So, naturally, I wanted to try more.
I think most whisky geeks have a particular ghost distillery they like to chase. The ones that seem to get the most attention are Port Ellen and Brora. While I wouldn’t refuse a splash of either, these days, I prefer to keep my eye out for Imperial. The distillery was officially closed in 2000 and demolished in 2013. Now, the newly built Dalmunach distillery stands in its place. Even when Imperial was standing, it was often out of production. When it was making whisky, a lot of the juice went into Chivas’ blends. So, I can see why it might not have garnered much attention. That said, the few (independent) bottles of Imperial I’ve gotten my hands on have always been such treats.
This was bottled at 46% ABV and the retail price was $200.
When nosing the Magic Cask, one is greeted with enticing notes of ripe fruits, vanilla, and honey. On the palate, the whisky reveals layers of flavors, including tropical fruits, butterscotch, and toasted oak. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a warm and satisfying sensation. Compass Box is known for its commitment to transparency and innovation in the whisky industry. With Magic Cask, they continue to push boundaries and create exceptional blended malt whiskies that showcase the artistry of blending. Due to its limited availability, Magic Cask has become highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors. Each bottle is a testament to the craftsmanship and passion that goes into creating exceptional whiskies at Compass Box. In conclusion, Compass Box Magic Cask is a truly magical whisky that captivates the senses and showcases the artistry of blending. With its unique flavor profile and limited availability, it stands as a testament to Compass Box's commitment to innovation and excellence in the world of whisky..
Reviews for "Celebrating Whisky Innovation with Compass Box Magic Cask"
1. John - 2 stars
I was really excited to try Compass Box MXGIC CASL based on the rave reviews I had heard, but I was extremely disappointed. The flavors felt muddled and the balance was completely off. It tasted overly sweet and way too heavy on the oak. I couldn't taste any complexity or depth in this whisky. Overall, a big letdown for me.
2. Sarah - 3 stars
Compass Box MXGIC CASL had a lot of potential, but it just fell short for me. The nose was promising with hints of caramel and spice, but the taste didn't live up to it. The flavors felt disjointed and unbalanced, making it difficult to enjoy. I appreciate the effort put into this whisky, but it just didn't hit the mark for me.
3. Michael - 2.5 stars
I had high expectations for Compass Box MXGIC CASL based on the positive reviews, but I found it to be average at best. The flavors were decent, with notes of vanilla and honey, but they lacked depth and complexity. The finish was short and unremarkable. I wouldn't say it's a bad whisky, but it didn't leave a lasting impression on me.
4. Laura - 2 stars
Compass Box MXGIC CASL was a disappointment for me. The flavors tasted artificial and overly sweet, almost like syrup. I couldn't detect any subtlety or nuance in this whisky. It felt like a marketing gimmick rather than a quality spirit. I was expecting something magical, but it failed to deliver.