Compass Box Releases Celestial, the Final Whisky in the Extinct Blends Quartet
Compass Box Celestial
A Flight Through Epic Clouds of Smoke: Compass Box Soars to Peaty Heights with the Final Whisky in the Extinct Blends Quartet.
Compass Box, renowned for its inventive spirit and pioneering Scotch whiskies, unveils Celestial, the final and most ambitious blend in its ‘Extinct Blends Quartet’. It marks the culmination of the series’ journey through the realms of forgotten blends.
Available from 4th April, Celestial’s muse are the legendary, highly sought-after bottlings from the 1950s and 1960s, known for their intricate peat profile and connections to an original ‘Whisky Baron’ and distilleries on Islay and Speyside. Celestial pays homage to this bygone era, taking its inspiration from flavours and characters long since disappeared, but making them richer and peatier.
James Saxon, the Whiskymaker behind Celestial and recently appointed Whiskymaking Director of Compass Box, has masterfully combined multiple malt whiskies. Those from legendary Ardbeg and Caol Ila distilleries, infuse Celestial with its unique smokiness, whilst those from Glen Elgin and Pulteney distilleries, add subtle layers of creamy oakiness and brightness to this divine blend.
Celestial resurrects an extinct peat profile; embodying smoke in all its forms. This limited edition captivates from the first sip. Opening with robust peat smoke, reminiscent of a beach bonfire, it evolves into the depth and fullness of a coastal smokehouse. Complemented by a backdrop of spicy ginger, rich vanilla, tart grilled apple and baked tropical fruits, it takes the palate skyward on a sensory journey.
Echoing the blend's otherworldly name, Celestial’s label draws inspiration from Pegasus, the majestic winged horse of Greek mythology, representing his transformative journey from earth to sky. The artwork features a dramatic cloudscape, adorned with billowing, smoky vapours inviting whisky enthusiasts, just like Pegasus, to embark on a flight through them, to reach glittering constellations. This artistic narrative complements the blend's theme of exploration and discovery, capturing the essence of adventure defining the Extinct Blends Quartet.
James Saxon, comments: “We wanted to conclude the Extinct Blends Quartet with a truly ambitious blend, and Celestial is the perfect liquid to close this chapter in the Compass Box story.”
With a limited global release of just 5,532 bottles, Celestial is the final and most dramatic release of the Extinct Blends Quartet.
About Compass Box:
We are Scotch whiskymakers. The word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. For over 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. We have not done it alone and have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible. We are always experimenting, always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. This vision motivates us whiskymakers.
