Compass Box Menagerie Limited Edition Blended Malt Scotch Whisky 750ml

Compass Box Menagerie is a celebrated limited edition blended malt scotch whisky from the boutique London based whiskymaker Compass Box, founded by John Glaser in 2000 and one of the most respected and innovative independent blending houses in the world today. Created by lead Whiskymaker James Saxon, Menagerie is described as an exploration of Scotland's wilder side: a deliberate selection of malt parcels that deviate slightly from the standard fruity, floral, and spicy character of the typical blended malt, into something meatier, smokier, leathery, and just a little bit untamed. The blend draws together single malts from four distinct distilleries plus the brand's signature Highland Malt Blend, with each component aged between 11 and 20 years and finished in a deliberate variety of cask treatments. Mortlach forms the meaty backbone at approximately 42.7%, layered with bright earthy Deanston, Compass Box's French oak aged Highland Malt Blend (the same heart used in Spice Tree), pungent tropical Glen Elgin in sherry seasoned butts, and a small but defining touch of smoky Laphroaig in recharred hogsheads. Bottled at 46% ABV non chill filtered and of natural color, with just 7,741 bottles produced globally. Compass Box releases like Menagerie are renowned for transparency, craftsmanship, and the genuine creativity that has earned John Glaser multiple Innovator of the Year and Pioneer of the Year recognitions from the whisky press.

ABV / Proof

Tasting Notes

Color: Bright gold (natural color, no added coloring).

Nose: A complex aroma of baking spices, leather, tar, and musky fruits, with stone fruits, grilled apricots, beeswax, lemon, candied ginger, milk chocolate, and a touch of smoke. Distinctly "wild" and animalic.

Palate: Engagingly lush with malt sweetness, creamy texture, honeydew melon, cinnamon, heather, earthy peat, leather, and a defining meatiness from the Mortlach component. Subtle smoke from the Laphroaig threads through.

Finish: Long with vanilla, toasted oak, white peppers, nutmeg, butter, flowers, pistachio, and lingering oily smoke and forest floor notes.

FAQ

What is Compass Box? Compass Box is an independent Scotch whisky blending house founded by John Glaser in 2000 and based in Chiswick, London. Glaser, an American who previously worked in marketing for a large distiller, revived the traditional blending house model with a focus on transparency, craftsmanship, and creative blending. He has been named Innovator of the Year by Whisky Magazine four times and Pioneer of the Year by Malt Advocate twice. Compass Box is widely regarded as one of the most respected independent bottlers in the world.

What is a "blended malt" scotch? A blended malt (formerly called vatted malt) is a blend made entirely of single malt whiskies from two or more distilleries, with no grain whisky included. This sits between single malt (one distillery) and blended scotch (malts + grain whiskies). Menagerie blends single malts from Mortlach, Deanston, Glen Elgin, and Laphroaig, plus Compass Box's own Highland Malt Blend.

What makes Menagerie "wilder"? Lead Whiskymaker James Saxon deliberately selected malt parcels that deviate from the standard fruity, floral, and spicy character of typical blended malts, leaning into meatier, smokier, leathery, and more "animalic" notes. Mortlach provides the meaty backbone, Laphroaig brings smoke, and Glen Elgin contributes pungent tropical fruit, producing a blend that is genuinely characterful and unusual.

How limited is this release? Just 7,741 bottles were produced globally, making it a genuine limited release. Compass Box's limited editions are known to sell through quickly and command secondary market attention, particularly for blends featuring named component distilleries (Mortlach, Glen Elgin, Laphroaig) that are otherwise hard to source as independent bottlings.

How should I drink it? Best enjoyed neat at 46% ABV non chill filtered in a tulip glass to appreciate the complex meaty, smoky, fruity layers. The blender James Saxon famously recommends pairing it with a naturally fermented sour beer or a meat pie, leaning into the wilder, more rustic character. Also pairs well with charcuterie, smoked meats, and aged hard cheeses.

Where can I buy Compass Box Menagerie online? Available here at Liquor On Broadway while stock lasts, with fast insured shipping nationwide.