First Impressions
Released in 2021, Orchard House quickly became Compass Box's most accessible expression — a fruit-forward blended malt at 46% ABV designed to showcase the lighter, brighter side of Scotch.
Distillery & Heritage
Orchard House blends Linkwood, Clynelish, Benrinnes and Glentauchers (the Speyside-Highland workhorses Compass Box loves) matured predominantly in first-fill American oak ex-bourbon casks. The aim, John Glaser explained, was to capture the orchard fruit character that defines great refill bourbon-cask Speyside whisky.
Tasting Notes in Detail
The nose bursts with fresh red apples and ripe pears, lifted by lemon zest, soft vanilla and a floral note. The palate delivers exactly what the label promises — crisp green apple, pear drops, citrus and gentle honey over creamy malt. The finish is clean, medium-length and full of fruit.
Verdict
Pure orchard joy. A wonderfully approachable Compass Box that proves you don't need peat or sherry to make a blended malt sing.
