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Scotch makers debate whether French oak or American oak is best for aging. Compass Box founder John Glaser decided to use both -- at the same time. And he's named his latest creation Oak Cross to signify the blend.
Glaser has been mixing and matching cultures and influences all his life. He's an American who worked at Johnnie Walker in London before starting his own Scotch whisky company in 2000. His Compass Box brand has become a cult favorite known for experimentation. His latest gamble: Ask the coopers to custom-make casks using new French oak heads and American oak bodies. These are proprietary barrels -- no one else has them.
Before it hits the special barrels, the Scotch -- made of 100 percent Highland single malt whiskies (no grain alcohol) -- is aged for 10 years in American oak casks. It is then married in both bourbon casks and Oak Cross casks, aged some more and blended. This odd formula combines the strong French style of spicy, dried fruit flavors with the lighter American style. It pours a pale yellow, has a distinct vanilla nose and tastes like a mix of vanilla ice cream and crème brulee with a hint of clove. If you like peat, Oak Cross may seem wimpy. If you like Irish whiskies or always thought Scotch was too heavy and overwhelming, this blend's for you.
-- James Oliver Cury
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