Compass Box “Lady Luck”, 46%, $170
A marriage of two casks of Caol Ila (25 and 29 years old) and one cask of Imperial (14 years old). Penetratinglysmoky, visceral, rooty, and even mean-tempered at times, ultimately being soothed by creamy vanilla and thick malt. It’s peppered with licorice stick, dark chocolate, campfire charcoal, subtle olive brine and teasing berried fruit. Long, clinging finish. The flavors are nicely integrated and complex. Well done! (This is a limited release, currently available in the U.S. at Park Avenue Liquor.)
Advanced Malt Advocate magazine rating: 91
Sounds like another stunner from C.B.
It’s great to see a small independent company compete successfully in the market.
Yes, considering that we are “a small independent company” too, we couldn’t agree more with you Shaun.
I actually splurged on a bottle of this and am very impressed. I think your assessment is spot on. This is one to treasure.
I’ve always wondered why there aren’t more releases like this out there (at least that I’m aware of). It seems that a talented blender could do a lot when they open their palette (and palate!) to multiple distilleries. Especially when limiting the sources to a few casks, I’m sure they could create some great whiskies that are as distinctive as the better single malts (like this one).
Am I correct in interpreting the description as this is a vatting of ONLY three casks?
In any event, I’ll just echo Shaun’s sentiments re: Compass Box. Another job well done!
Sound’s really great, but what would be even greater would be a store in boston, where I live, that got CB exclusives like this.
[...] Hansell reviews “Lady Luck” from Compass Box. He also tastes the very reasonably priced Amrut [...]