DELOS, COMPASS BOX, 49% ABV

Littered with mosaics and ruined ancient temples, the island of Delos embodies the ideal of a beautiful, classical sanctuary. It is the perfect name for a whisky that reimagines Asyla using antique, rarefied components.

Delos is the second release in the “Extinct Blends” quartet, celebrating and reimagining different styles of Blended Scotch Whisky from the past. Delos follows in the footsteps of the sumptuous maritime landscape of Ultramarine and takes its name from a central Mediterranean island in ancient Greek religion. Delos draws inspiration from Asyla, one of the “lost” whiskies from Compass Box. The illustration is derived from the meaning of the whisky’s name, “asyla” being the plural form of “asylum” – a place of safety, sanctuary, or retreat. The ideal refuge, and the image that Compass Box had in mind was an isolated and sunny island. After researching sanctuary islands, Delos was discovered.

The overall visual is designed to be meditative, beautiful, and calm, just like Asyla itself.

Malt whiskies from the Glen Elgin, Imperial and Miltonduff distilleries – all from American oak barrels – bring enticing exotic fruit and vanilla notes while lush and fragrant grain whisky preserves the delicate mouthfeel that was Asyla's hallmark.

Tasting Notes

A sweet succulence that breaks upon the nose in soft waves: ripe pear, pineapple, orange oil and vanilla cream. A medley of fruit tarts and white chocolate soothe the palate, while the maturity of the component whiskies gradually builds to reveal guava, heather honey and chai spices.

Key Information

Serving Suggestions
First things first, be comfortable, relaxed and free from distractions. Pour a healthy amount (15-25ml) into a nosing glass (e.g., glencairn) and let it sit for a while. We recommend a minute of resting in the glass for every year in the cask. Otherwise, let it settle down for 5-10 minutes at least.

Help yourself to a 'warm up dram' in the meantime - something simple to open up the palate. When ready, start nosing the spirit, followed by sipping it (noting how it arrives on your palate and its development), and finally the finish. Take your time to get to know the spirit, noting its expression, character, depth, complexity and flavours. These can all change with adding drops of water so play around to find different sides of the spirit and identity a personal sweet spot for yourself!

But always remember, the best way to drink it is the way you like it!