The Compass Box Flaming Heart is a classic in its own right, and after the first successful release in 2006, the blending company released its 6th limited edition a little while ago. I previously reviewed the 5th edition, and was quite taken by it. As usual, the Flaming Heart is a whisky with a big peated core. The exact recipe is as follows:
- 39.5% is 19yo Caol Ila matured in a refill barrel
- 28.7% is 15yo Deanston matured in a refill hogshead
- 10.9 % is 15yo Clynelish matured in a recharred hogshead
- 5.7% is 23yo Clynelish matured in a refill hogshead
- 7.7% is 9yo Highland Blended malt matured in a heavy toasted custom French oak cask
- 7.5% is 10yo Highland Blended malt matured in refill sherry butts, custom French oak and American standard barrels
Compass Box Flaming Heart 6th Edition (48.9%, Compass Box, 2018)
Nose: This just might be very good! It is waxy, somewhat farmy and lightly smoked, with hints of rubber, but also white grapes, banana pudding, and raspberries. Oh, and vanilla, because, of course there’s vanilla.
Taste: Wood smoke and a proper salinity, with a good amount of vanilla custard as well. The Caol Ila feels much more pronounced here. Some leather, and apple, but also a hint of blackberries and charcoal as well.
Finish: Lingering smoke, ash and a tad drying.
Rating: 90
The Caol Ila influence is just a tad too strong to my liking, but that’s personal. Overall this is such a well-balanced, mature and lovely Islay-esque whisky. Top notch.
