London's Compass Box is paying tribute to the industrial architecture of the 19th century with the debut of Architectonics at Whisky Live Paris 2024.

Inspired by La Grande Halle de la Villette, the host of Whisky Live Paris since 2019, Compass Box Architectonics was blended from a rich and creamy single malt matured in sherry casks, a peated Islay whisky, a blended malt and various sweeter and fruitier whiskies matured in bourbon casks.

Featured in the blend are Laphroaig’s single malt and a single malt from the unnamed Speyside distillery, which are said to bring aromatic intensity, with notes of herbs and seaweed from the peated Islay malt and toasted walnut aromas from the Speyside malt. Additionally, malt whiskies from the Clynelish and Benrinnes distilleries are said to bring bright aromas to this blend, characterised by vanilla, baked apples, and waxy honey notes. 

According to Compass Box Whisky Maker, James Saxon, "Like the many different materials brought together to create a building, this blend offers access to something beautiful, something larger than the sum of its parts. We wanted each element to pair together naturally to create synergy and balance."

Official Tasting Notes

Nose: fine, well-developed. On the first nose, a translucent peat fills the entire aroma palette, also marked by salty notes and wildflower. This ensemble is then refreshed with fragrances of citrus and malt. Clove gradually brings heat into the mix.

Palate: lively, dynamic. Continuing on from the nose, the attack is a melting pot of spices (cardamom, star anise), vanilla, and chocolate, liquorice and herbal scents (verbena, oregano). The rustic end of the palate takes us to the heart of the Spey Valley.

Finish: long, silky. Seeped in an oily peat, the finish is first characterised by sublime notes of lit Havana cigar. Now exotic (pineapple, kiwi), the flavour palette is also coated in beeswax. The empty glass is intensely malty and empyreumatic (smoke, tarmac).

Bottled at 49% ABV, Architectonics will be available exclusively at La Maison du Whisky in a small batch run of 1,200 bottles. 

Kanpai!

88 Bamboo Editorial Team