Compass Box’s the Orchard House (46%) - Summer in your Glass BY JOSH WARD
In this edition of Whisky exploration, Josh shares his thoughts on possibly the finest dram and cigar pairing for this upcoming summer.
With most shying away from heavy peat and cask strength spice bombs that chase away those winter blues and spring turning into summer, what might be your go-to summertime sipping whisky? During the warmer seasons people generally gravitate toward the softer side of the golden spirit and doesn’t a cold bourbon sound perfect for a hot day? Perhaps while taking a leisurely stroll on the beach and you stop to soak in the sun rays, you would consider an Old Pulteney for its salty, coastal qualities. What about at a roaring evening campfire? Would you reach for the likes of Campbeltown’s Springbank with its funky peat or maybe the crisp jazzy vibes of a Glenkinchie? If your thing is to head to the mountains or maybe a hike around one of Canada’s numerous glacier lakes; perhaps Italy’s Puni distillery is calling your name. No matter what you choose it seems plenty of us enjoy the softer side of drams when the weather is agreeable. The butterflies are flitting, bees are buzzing as flowers bloom and birds sing. That thought alone
makes me thirsty for something to match the mood. Ah summer is playtime and the chance to unwind from what’s been a cold, long and very damp Canadian winter. I don’t know about you, but my senses are flooded with the active and incredibly exuberant colours, smells and sounds that this season brings so shouldn’t our drink of choice add to that story instead of erasing it?
Summer in your glass
In enters Compass Box which is not new to the whisky scene as it was founded in 2000. Some may already be familiar with the often immaculate and always enjoyable blended whiskies that came from the talented mind of John Glaser. Crowd favourites like The Spice Tree or Flaming Heart have left lasting impressions on consumers and for good reason. These blends are not only consistent and reliable but give enthusiasts a satisfying experience without feeling like their wallet has been robbed.
The butterflies are flitting, bees are buzzing as flowers bloom and birds sing. That thought alone makes me thirsty for something to match the mood.
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the whisky explorer magazine
the whisky explorer magazine
SUMMER 2024
SUMMER 2024
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