Tasting notes

Compass Box Delos

The Compass Box Delos is a remarkable blend that captures the essence of 20-years matured grain whisky and selected malts. At 49% alcohol by volume, it showcases the craftsmanship of independent bottler Compass Box. The whisky contains ingredients from the closed Imperial distillery and Glen Elgin - a dream for connoisseurs seeking historical and flavourful depth.

The panel

Marcel
87
Sascha
85

Mean 86.0 · spread 2

Value for money 0/5

Bottler
Compass Box
Type
Blended Whisky
Country
Scotland
Strength
49% ABV
Character
delicate

Tasting

Nose

The Delos impresses with a wonderfully fresh bouquet from the very first sniff. Intense notes of ripe pear, honey and vanilla dominate, accompanied by delicate oak and a slightly resinous undertone. A hint of lemongrass and floral accents, combined with maltiness à la butter biscuits, creates an almost tropical atmosphere: dragon fruit, apricot and pineapple combine to create a waxy, elegant flavour that invites you to savour it.

Palate

The sophistication continues seamlessly on the palate. The Compass Box Delos is ultra-creamy, soft and round, with an impressive complexity. Old oak provides an elegant structure, while the fruity pear and citrus notes retain freshness. Floral nuances and subtle herbal spice add depth, while the cereal notes pay homage to bourbon maturation.

Finish

The medium-length finish leaves a pleasant echo of intense oak. Green tea rounds off the experience and adds a slightly bitter note that emphasises the full-bodied character of Delos.

Verdicts

Marcel

With the Compass Box Delos, you experience a blend that’s simply a joy – creamy, fruity, and full of character, inviting both enjoyment and admiration. For anyone looking for a whisky with charm and a touch of history, it’s a genuine highlight not to be missed.

Sascha

The Delos impresses with its well-balanced interplay between creamy texture and complex structure, where the influences of the closed Imperial distillery are subtle yet distinctly present. A very balanced blend that delivers technically with its fine oak spice and multifaceted fruit notes.

What it is worth

No auction record for this distillery, so we cannot tell you what this bottle is worth. We would rather say that than guess.

Source

Tasting note and scores by WHISKY:EDITION — tasted by Marcel and Sascha, published 2025-01-09.