Compass Box Flaming Heart (25th Anniversary Edition)

The art of blending is on full display here. Lead whisky maker James Saxon marries single malts from Talisker, Benrinnes, and Laphroaig with a Williamson blended malt to create an oily, smoky dram, balanced with bright and tart pineapple, lemon, and lime on the nose and palate. While the peated whiskies assert their muscle, the palate is laced with delicate notes of snickerdoodle, whipped cream, and marzipan bringing balance and sweetness amid the smoke. There’s depth and complexity from nose to finish, with the sip slowly fading like a beach bonfire burning out in an ocean breeze.