Compass Box Ultramarine is the flagship of The Extinct Blends Quartet, a series in which Compass Box recreates the spirit of long-lost blended Scotch whiskies. Ultramarine takes its inspiration from the antique sherry and pipe tobacco notes of the deluxe blends of the late 1980s and early 1990s, and it is bottled at 51% ABV.
The Extinct Blends Quartet was built by studying original bottlings of classic blends that no longer exist and then creating new whiskies in their spirit from Compass Box's own stocks. Ultramarine combines sherry-led richness with a well-integrated thread of peat, and Whisky Advocate awarded it 95 points.
The nose delivers toffee, Chantilly cream and honey over pronounced, well-integrated peat smoke, with floral top notes, seasoned oak, vanilla, dried banana chip and gently spiced pecan bars. The palate showcases clove, ginger, dried mango and vanilla custard, and the finish brings cocoa powder and raisin.
The label shows a swirling blue figure painted in ultramarine against a pale sky, and the bottle comes in a kraft presentation box with the same artwork. It was released in limited numbers and is a prized find for collectors of Compass Box and lovers of old-style blended Scotch.
Tasting Notes
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Nose: Toffee, Chantilly cream and honey over well-integrated peat smoke, with floral notes and vanilla.
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Palate: Clove, ginger, dried mango and vanilla custard.
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Finish: Cocoa powder and raisin.
Specifications
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Producer: Compass Box
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Style: Blended Scotch Whisky
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Expression / Batch: Ultramarine, The Extinct Blends Quartet
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Proof / ABV: 102 proof (51% ABV)
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Region: Scotland
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Size: 700ml
How to Enjoy It
Serve it neat in a nosing glass and take your time; a few drops of water bring out the fruit and soften the smoke. It pairs with dark chocolate, dried mango or a mild cigar, and makes a beautiful gift for a whisky collector.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is The Extinct Blends Quartet?
A Compass Box series of four whiskies created in the spirit of classic blended Scotch whiskies that no longer exist.
What inspired Ultramarine?
The sherry and pipe tobacco notes of deluxe blends from the late 1980s and early 1990s.
What proof is it?
It is bottled at 51% ABV, or 102 proof.
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