Compass Box Unveils Blended Malt Whisky Honoring Crème Brûlée Creator

Scottish whisky brand Compass Box proudly launches Brûlée Royale, a limited edition blended malt whisky aiming to transform the flavors of the classic French dessert crème brûlée into liquid form. This whisky's debut not only signifies the brand's 25th anniversary but is also another outstanding work following the earlier launched limited edition Nectarosity.

Brûlée Royale draws its inspiration from the 17th-century French chef François Massialot, who is credited with inventing crème brûlée in the kitchens of the Palace of Versailles. According to Compass Box, Massialot initially employed a rather bold method to create the dessert, using a red-hot fire shovel to caramelize the sugar, thus crafting its distinctive crisp sugar topping.

Compass Box's Chief Blender, Samuel Travers, stated that the core philosophy behind Brûlée Royale is 'less is more,' pursuing ultimate simplicity and repeated tasting until the perfect finish is achieved. He emphasized that crafting a whisky with a clean, clear foundation, where each flavor plays a crucial role while precisely balancing the art of 'negative space,' is his relentless pursuit.

This whisky blends four single malt whiskies, chosen for their complementary characteristics. The core flavor comes from a seven-year-old Clynelish, matured in second-fill American oak casks. Additionally, a 17-year-old Benrinnes is included, having been aged in first-fill bourbon casks; a 2000 vintage Speyburn, matured in refill American oak hogsheads; and a 21-year-old Ardbeg, which used recharred American oak casks.

The unique flavor profile of Brûlée Royale is largely attributed to Compass Box's collaboration with Independent Stave Co. cooperage in Missouri, USA. Their oak casks undergo carefully controlled toasting and charring processes, following precise temperature curves, thereby releasing flavors such as crème caramel, roasted peaches, and a hint of spicy molasses.

Official tasting notes describe an initial impression of crème brûlée, stewed pear, and vanilla bean on the palate. This is followed by rich crème fraîche, honey-like malt, and roasted peach flavors, layered with notes of baked tarte tatin and fresh custard. The finish offers a lingering sensation of silky milk chocolate, nutmeg, burnt caramel, and banana split.

This limited edition whisky has an alcohol content of 49% ABV and a volume of 700ml. The artwork on its packaging is inspired by the kitchen scenes of the Palace of Versailles, depicting Chef Massialot at the moment he is about to create the first crème brûlée, visually reinforcing the connection between this whisky and culinary innovation and exquisite craftsmanship.

2025-09-17

Source: https://thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-news/compass-box-launches-blended-malt-inspired-by-the-inventor-of-creme-brulee/