The first edition of No Name was quite excellent (see my notes, here), and now there’s a sequel: No Name No.2 . This time it’s a little different, as the first edition was mostly made of Ardbeg and Coal Ila with the obligatory Clynelish – this time the Islay component is only Caol Ila while there’s also more smoky component from the Talisker distillery located on the Isle of Skye. The Caol Ila which is the primary ingredient in the blending (75.5%) comes from a Re-fill Sherry Butts, so we’re also adding a sherry ingredient while the first edition were aged in standard barrels and Hogsheads. This isn’t an Islay centric peat mix, and this is quite interesting. This is Bottled at 48.9% Not Chill-Filtered, Light 5 Micron Filtration, Natural Colour, and the Lead Whiskymakerhere is Jill Boyd.
Compass Box No Name No.2 , 48.9% , ~ £110
Nose: The nose is immediately smoky and sooty, with a nice sweet touch as well , some dried fruit, maybe some cherries and a hint prune as well. The smoke is sweet and although we’re talking mostly Caol Ila, there’s no medicinal side to it, it’s mostly about wood smoke, and some ash, with the Clynelish adding a waxy touch to it. Enticing and complex, with a touch of blood orange on top of icing sugar, and oak.
Palate: The mouth feel is great too, at under 50 % it’s easy on the palate, while feeling complex enough : The notes from the nose are here too, sweet smoke, cured meat, a bit salty at times, and full of chimney smoke and the right amount of ash. The Sweet fruit (be it cherries, or ripe berries) are here as well adding a lovely touch as well to the thick bonfire smoke, getting drier towards the end.
Finish: salt, ash, traces of red fruit, sea-spray, with some more wax and wood.
Conclusion: Another cracking blended malt from Compass Box. This is very different than the first edition, but is just as good, IMHO. Lovely sherry influence here this time with the Talisker and Clynelish adding layers of complexity. Well played.
Score: 90/100
Available for £110 at TWE.