Review #156: Compass Box Transatlanticism

COST: $200 for 700mL (I'm reviewing a sample)

AGR and BLEND:

●        35.2% First Fill Moscatel Matured 9yr Linkwood

●        23.3% Extra Aged, High Proof 13yr Spice Tree

●        16.9% First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel Matured 13yr Clynelish

●        15.2% First Fill Ex-Bourbon Barrel Matured 25yr Miltonduff

●        9.4% First Fill Vin Santo Cask Matured 9yr Clynelish 

PROOF: 102.2

REGION: Blend, various

I'm currently on a road trip hitting up Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and Death Valley National Park. In setting off for this trip I brought along a few 2 oz samples to enjoy from fireside or on a hiking trail looking at some of America’s most beautiful landscapes. The first two I enjoyed were a 4 grain bourbon and a rye whiskey. While I normally enjoy more American whiskeys, I chose to bring along a scotch with the thought that it might be refreshing with some lighter and brighter notes during my time in Death Valley. However, I have not tried Transatlanticism prior to this, and it turned out it was NOT the bright and refreshing sip I had in my mind. 😁 But, it was still very delicious, and thankfully it isn't the 120°F+ season yet in Death Valley, so this was still very enjoyable in the bright sun in 86°F weather with a nice cooling breeze coming over the snow capped mountains. Let's get to it! (Enjoy the pictures of my time in Death Valley at the bottom, too.)

Reviewed neat in a plastic juice glass, campervan style. 😎

NOSE: Big honey vibes and very fruity. Darker fruits at first with fig and plum drizzled with butterscotch, and lighter fruits on the tail end of the nose with dried apricots and white grape. There's a light, bright spice that makes me think of a saute of fragrant diced ginger root in lemon butter.

PALATE: Moderate mouthfeel with honey, hay, bright lemon peel, and a touch of melon right out of the gate. This is about as bright as this sip gets though. A dollop of fig preserves on vanilla creme brulee show up mid palate along with a buttery toasted raisin bread and some baked apples. There's a toasty, and slightly spicy, oak note that weaves in and out of the sweeter flavors, never dominant but providing nice depth. There is an earthy white pepper spice in the finish but it's just a subtle bite here on the palate.

FINISH: Long and sweet but extremely subtle. I can pick up these notes for a good minute after the swallow but they're just faint, almost watered down even. Light caramel apple, honeyed malt, white pepper, and sweet red wine

RATING: 7.4/10

OVERALL: When I look at the blend of this, I shouldn't have necessarily expected it to be bright and refreshing, however I didn't validate the blend before throwing it in my travel kit. Putting that aspect aside, this was a very flavorful pour full of red fruits, dessert sweetness, and balanced nicely with subtle spice. With Scotch not being a category I have extensive experience in, this probably has the most richness and darker notes that I've experienced in a Scotch. As a bourbon drinker, this resonates with me. However, I wish the finish was more prominent. The notes I got were good, but they were just very faint. Perhaps this was due to the meat, cheese, and cracker pairing I had alongside it to an extent, but even the first few sips without a pairing it was the same experience. Overall though I really enjoyed this sip and it opened my eyes a bit more to what a Scotch can be. I keep telling myself I'll explore this category more, but haven't made a lot of headway…2024 2025 goals…

When I first saw u/T8ke announce this expression, I was hoping to snag a bottle, but alas, Shared Pour stopped shipping to South Carolina, which saddens me, but it is what it is. However, a fellow enthusiast came through and sent me this sample which I'm very grateful for!

1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.

2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.

3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.

4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but many things I’d rather have.

5 | Good | Good, just fine.

6 | Very Good | A cut above.

7 | Great | Well above average

8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.

9 | Incredible | An all time favorite

10 | Perfect | Perfect