In 2018 Compass Box Whisky had a legal fight with a Swedish Distillery called Box Distillery. Box Distillery was built inside an old factory complex and sawmill that made wooden boxes and had a big old sign saying Box AB. I had collected Compass Box Whiskies for about 10 years and stopped after this - I thought it was a bit mean spirited. Box Whisky became High Coast and I occasionally tried their whiskies, This one from early 2021 is the first one that I have bought and is from the Silent Mills Series. This is the stand-out whisky in the series. Its a peated malt that combines first fill bourbon casks with Oloroso Sherry casks.
In classic Australian style, this whisky has absolutely rippled flavour out of its cask. However, while I was expecting spiky youth in the spirit and the abv, it drinks with a maturity and ease that belies these facts. I have since bought two bottles. Absolutely delicious and as good, if not better, than it’s Scotch peers
Nose: A rich herbal aroma intertwined with bonfire smoke, evoking imagery of a seaside campfire. Notes of sea salt, struck matches, and subtle roasted orange peel linger behind the smoky veil.
Palate: Medium to full-bodied with a distinct oily texture. The high proof delivers a robust entry, blending sweet spices with peat, accented by a faint trace of sulfur.
Finish: Long and warming, with persistent ashy smoke and briny sea breeze. Hints of matchstick and a delicate iodine note round it out.
With Water: The aroma reveals pronounced wet sea salt and brine, with the smokiness softening into a rounder profile. Vanilla and oak emerge prominently. On the palate, the sweetness persists, with the peat becoming less intense, giving way to caramelized oak and fruit notes.
A gentle giant. This old grain whisky doesn’t try to shout, but it has plenty to say if you’re listening. A soft, elegant dram with aged sherry cask influence, balancing fruit, leather, oak, and just a whisper of tobacco. If you’re chasing subtle complexity over brute strength, this hits the mark.