Compass Box Art & Decadence 2023 Scotch Whiskey

Oscar Wilde wrote that “we live in an age when unnecessary things are our only necessities”. The age in question was the late nineteenth century, when the Aesthetic Movement gave rise to the Decadent Movement, where more was always more. Art was made for the sake of art; there were no ulterior motives. Similarly, a whisky like Art & Decadence may not be strictly a necessity – and that is the whole, glorious point.

Art & Decadence is built on malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in not one but three different ex-wine casks. Madeira, Sauternes and Marsala are all at home with dessert, and they bring succulence, preserved fruit notes and honeyed character to the underlying meaty sweetness of Balmenach.

To this, we have layered in malt whisky from the Linkwood Distillery, aged in Palo Cortado sherry-seasoned butts, and malt whisky from the Glen Moray Distillery, finished in Oloroso sherry-seasoned butts. Grain whisky from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery adds silk and gloss.

98 Proof / 49% ABV

TASTING NOTES

Rich and aromatic on the nose; creamy with banana, toffee and custard notes. On the palate you find dried fruit; golden raisin, apricot, apple and plenty of vanilla finishing with lingering dark chocolate and oak.

Unless noted, please be aware that product images may not always match what is delivered due to frequent cosmetic updates. Rest assured, the liquid and size are guaranteed; please refer to the product description for accuracy.