Compass Box Unveils Secrets of Smoke - A Curiously Sweet Limited Edition

LONDON, ENGLAND, November 11, 2024: Scotch Whiskymakers, Compass Box, has announced its latest limited edition, Secrets of Smoke (52% ABV, 700ml, $165 SRP; 9,792 bottles worldwide), a unique whisky that unveils the secret sweetness behind peated malts.

Available beginning this month nationwide, Secrets of Smoke showcases the curiously sweet layers tucked away within peated whiskies, with hints of honey, buttery pears, and caramel. With coastal smoky undertones, the flavor is spicy with pear, peach, and melon. Then a growing citrusy taste slowly gives way to a long, chocolatey, and peaty finish.

Compass Box’s latest limited edition has set out to decode the layers of flavor, not often associated with peated Scotch whiskies. The science behind Secrets of Smoke lies in the Caol Ila finished in Palo Cortado sherry-seasoned butts, The Peat Monster finished in second-fill red wine casks, and Laphroaig finished in Marsala barriques. This process reveals the fruity, creamy, and floral characteristics seldom associated with peated malts.

Tasting Notes:  Honeyed and rich with toasted marshmallow, honey and buttery pears. Caramel. Bracing coastal smokiness underneath. The palate is oily and spicy with pear, peach and melon; it grows citrusy, before a long, chocolaty and peaty finish.

“Our limited editions allow us to spread our creative wings and concoct one-off expressions with unique recipes,” says Compass Box Director of Whiskymaking, James Saxon. “With Secrets of Smoke, we wanted to build on the results of some of our cask experiments and enhance the unexpected sweetness of peated malts.”

Keeping in line with Compass Box’s iconic and memorable bottle labels, Secrets of Smoke is adorned with a mysteriously dark background with holographic foils representing the sweet flavors of the blend. Each glimpse at the bottle uncovers another layer of visual enigmas, making each Secrets of Smoke experience full of surprises. 

Secrets of Smoke pairs perfectly with a variety of foods, including fresh cherries that add a sweet jamminess to the whisky, sharp blue cheese for a classic accompaniment to smoky whisky, and Saucisson, where the meat and smoke interplay.