Compass Box “Art & Decadence” Blended Malt Scotch Whisky Wine Warehouse

49% ABV, 700 ml, Light 10 micron filter, not chill-filtered.

“The Aesthetic Movement, begun in the latter half of the 19th century, witnessed a change in the subject matter and influences of western art. It gave rise to the Decadent Movement, where ornamentation and the superfluous flourish were prized; iconography and patterns from other cultures were layered in complex compositions, and a new sensuality began to emerge.

This is the era of Oscar Wilde and Aubrey Beardsley – abundance, delight and pleasure were art’s watchwords. The dandy was reborn, the peacock became a cultural symbol, and gold was everywhere. Beauty, excess and ornamentation have been our focuses with the extraordinary label and outer packaging for Art & Decadence. A whisky of such decadent flavours merits a decadent design.

Art & Decadence is built on malt whisky from the Balmenach Distillery, finished separately for almost a year in not one but three different ex-wine casks. Madeira, Sauternes and Marsala are all at home with dessert, and they bring succulence, preserved fruit notes and honeyed character to the underlying meaty sweetness of Balmenach.

To this, we have layered in malt whisky from the Linkwood Distillery, aged in Palo Cortado sherry-seasoned butts, and malt whisky from the Glen Moray Distillery, finished in Oloroso sherry-seasoned butts. Grain whisky from the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery adds silk and gloss.”