Compass Box Phenomenology.

It’s a school of thought in psychology that focuses on phenomena, or, the experiences that we get from our senses – what we see, taste, smell, etc. Somehow we saw a link between phenomenology and whisky.

We’d long been working on a blend of single malts that combines seemingly dissonant flavour profiles, but together creates something compelling. We landed on a recipe that elicited a surprising range of reactions and descriptions, each person taking away something different from the whisky.

Rather than try to settle on whose perceptions were ‘right’ or ‘wrong’, we were inspired by the phenomenological school of thought to consider how different people experience the same phenomenon.

In celebration of the subjectivity of whisky tasting, we released this whisky in September 2017 without any tasting notes or flavour descriptors to invite people to first experience the whisky without preconception. As you explore this whisky for yourself, we invite you to describe the ‘phenomena’ in your own words and ideas. Your experience is your own, personal and subjective.

And, so, you have… PHENOMENOLOGY, a limited edition COMPASS BOX WHISKY.

FLAVOUR DESCRIPTORS

Aromas and flavours reminiscent of berry fruits, baked apples and hints of banana, with a delicate peaty smokiness that follows and resonates in the long finish.

RECOMMENDATIONS

This is an ideal whisky for sipping and contemplating on its own, or with a splash of water or an ice cube, which will reveal the subtle complexity of the whisky as the whisky very slowly dilutes.