Compass Box The Circle No. 2 Blended Scotch Whisky

Compass Box The Circle No. 2 Blended Scotch Whisky

Weeks of tweaking led us to this combination of tropically fruity malt whiskies from the Glen Elgin and Speyburn distilleries, together with whiskies influenced by Oloroso Sherry casks. Single malt from the Ardmore Distillery lends a herbal Highland peat note.

This is sure to delight fans of warm and vibrant whiskies, whether synaesthetic or not. Though 2019 feels a very long time ago, we are delighted to finally share Mannie’s vision of delicious whisky with the world.

What does a colour taste like?

The Circle is our international bartender competition; it serves as a kind of symposium in which the bar world and whiskymakers can come together to share ideas. ‘Is it possible to make a whisky that evokes the colour of coral?’ was the idea Mannie Monaghan, 2019’s winner, posed to us.

It wasn’t until after Mannie Monaghan won our international bartender programme The Circle in 2019, and we began working on a whisky together, that we learned he is synaesthetic. Mannie wanted his whisky to evoke a particular colour – coral – and so began a unique whisky-making project.

Affecting roughly 4% of the population, those with synaesthesia often experience a blending of their senses – for Mannie, aromas and flavours reveal a spectrum of colour. Not being synaesthetic ourselves, Mannie spent two lengthy sessions in the Blending Rooms, scouring sample boxes for whiskies that matched the warmth and powerful positivity of Living Coral.

FLAVOUR PROFILE (FOR NON-SYNAESTHETES)

We love the bright pineapple and stewed peach aromas that leap out of the glass. The flavour is of vanilla, honey and sultanas soaked in Cognac.