We’ve been pushing Compass Box to do a single barrel program for years, so this is a very exciting arrival. Other than a handful of retailer one-offs (like the 5th & Harrison release John Glaser and I put together all those years ago), there hasn’t been a way for bars, restaurants, and retailers to participate directly.

But that changed earlier this year when Compass Box began re-racking their Great King Street blend into various barrel types, maturing the whisky for an additional two and a half years, and allowing retailers to select their favorites. 

We were lucky enough to get access to barrel #1: a Sherry-seasoned butt that added just the right amount of richness to the already delicious Glasgow blend. 

The Sherry is immediately palpable on the nose, melding with the peat to create an earthy, sultry aroma that moves lithely between caramel and campfire smoke. At 49% ABV, there’s some pop on the palate, but that sherried sweetness is still front and center, sitting on your tongue like a big gob of richness before letting the peat back in for one last dance. 

For $49.99, it’s a hot smoking deal and I’m sure all you Compass Box fanboys (like me) are going to be very, very, very pleased.

Compass Box Great King Street "Mission Exclusive" Single Sherry Butt Blended Scotch Whisky $49.99

-David Driscoll