Once banned by the Scotch Whisky Association for being “too innovative,” Spice Tree is Compass Box’s delicious act of rebellion, resurrected with more finesse and zero compromise. It’s not just a whisky; it’s proof that creativity can challenge tradition and win. Rich, layered, and boldly complex, this dram is for those who believe great whisky should stir things up.

Compass Box Spice Tree Scotch Whisky
Brand: Compass Box | Category: Blended Malt Scotch Whisky | ABV: 46% | Origin: Scotland | Vol: 70cl

Tasting Profile:
Nose: Like opening a spice cabinet in an old Highland cottage, clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg meet vanilla cream, gingerbread, and toasted oak.
Palate: Rich and mouthcoating. Notes of baked apple, honeyed malt, and dark spice roll over the tongue, supported by a backbone of French oak that adds structure and warmth.
Finish: Lingering and warming. Dried herbs, sweet oak, and gentle pepper fade slowly, leaving a dry, spicy glow.

Production Details:
Spice Tree is a blended malt composed of Highland single malts, primarily from Clynelish, Dailuaine, and Teaninich. What makes it revolutionary? Secondary maturation in custom made casks fitted with toasted French oak staves, previously deemed “too experimental” by Scotch authorities. Today, it's matured using a refined version of that technique, legally compliant but still defiantly original.

Perfect For:
Firelit nights, big ideas, and bold conversations. Best enjoyed when you're ready to break the mold or share something that does.

Expert Notes:
Spice Tree has been praised by whisky critics for years as a benchmark in modern blending. It’s frequently recommended to seasoned drinkers who want complexity without smoke and a whisky that stands out without shouting.

Customer Reviews:
"Velvety, spiced, and just a little bit wild. It’s my Friday night ritual."
"This is the whisky that made me fall in love with Compass Box. Spicy, rich, unforgettable."
"Tastes like Clynelish wrapped in a French oak blanket, absolutely stellar."

Interesting Fact:
The original Spice Tree was pulled from shelves in 2005 after the SWA ruled that inner oak staves violated Scotch regulations. Compass Box returned in 2009 with a new legal maturation process and a whisky even better than the original.

Serving Suggestions:
Serve neat in a tulip glass to enjoy its full spiced complexity. A few drops of water will soften the oak and bring forward more vanilla and orchard fruit. Try it with ginger cake, roasted nuts, or aged gouda for a rich pairing experience.

Distillery Background:
Founded by John Glaser in 2000, Compass Box is an independent whisky maker known for bold transparency and creative blending. Based in London but sourcing from top distilleries across Scotland, the brand continues to push the boundaries of what Scotch can be, innovative, transparent, and uncompromising in quality. Spice Tree is one of its flagship creations, complex, controversial, and utterly captivating.