After an extended hiatus—over a yr, actually—because the final whisky tasting expertise I attended or led, I discovered myself in a pleasant new/relocated area in my very own neighborhood, Dongcheng, in Beijing. I moved right here in January as a result of I missed this metropolis, and most employers usually are not eager on letting their employees journey past the confines of anybody province whereas there are outbreaks in different areas. I grew bored with my small city exterior of Hangzhou in Zhejiang Province, discovered a brand new employer, and my outdated part-time gig graciously let me go.
There’s a heady mixture of historical past and cutting-edge modernity to Beijing, particularly when you enterprise past the heated vacationer traps the place so many individuals toast in the summertime. Whereas we’ve had many 90-100-degree F days (or 40+ C, for our non-American readers), we’ve additionally had a whole lot of rain and have been capable of keep away from the extra excessive scenario down south, which skilled record-breaking highs this summer time.
Beijing itself endured a “tender lockdown” lasting from late April to July, which implies that many neighborhoods had their staff do business from home, routine testing each 48 to 72 hours occurred in free testing websites that sprang up over city, and varied compounds the place COVID was discovered skilled precise quarantines till instances had been eradicated. Whereas we misplaced indoor eating privileges for some time, the powers that be appeared eager to keep away from one other scenario like Shanghai. Because of this, life swiftly returned to regular as soon as the outbreak was quelled… and I will even point out that till this yr, Beijing had had few instances since early 2020. Regardless, staying house on a regular basis wore skinny, and it’s been a delight to get out and about once more!
Thus, this tasting a few weeks in the past was one of many first occasions I went to since transferring again this yr. Miao, the proprietor, not too long ago opened after the lease ran out on a unique location. Dongcheng is a enjoyable mixture of “Previous Beijing” and new, inventive small companies, a unique world than the glittering lights of Sanlitun, TaiKooLi, and SoHo buildings only a mile east. It’s primarily made up of hutong siheyuan (courtyard houses) and facilities round the Drum & Bell Towers. I reside in a bit of area that’s newly renovated inside however wherever from 500-900 years outdated in its setting and bones. Forgive me the sentimentality, however it seems like wandering by way of a secret world once I take my canine for a stroll. You by no means know what’s round every nook, and aggressive renovations 5 – 6 years in the past ensured that the world, whereas extra drably uniform now, can also be a lot cleaner than hutongs of the previous.
Miao, the enterprising founding father of the bar that hosted the occasion.
On this setting, the bar Shifter is tucked again behind one more slender street, although my taxi, fortunately, was capable of ease into it, because the day was extremely popular. I leaped out, walked into the attractive setting, and the tasting started. The principle objective was to unveil the Orchard Home, however to my shock, additionally included a number of of the very best of Compass Field and a novel style of the Glasgow. Let’s go!
Compass Field Orchard Home – Assessment
Scotch blended malt whisky. 46% ABV, non-chill-filtered.
“No colour added:” as a bourbon lover firstly, this notice on different whiskys all the time startles me, because it’s unlawful so as to add something to bourbon. Butttt a minimum of it’s there! The descriptions say it’s “fruit-forward” and “spirit-driven,” and I grasp the previous however not the latter. The fruit is prevalent in notes of citrus, apple and pear, however very, very gentle.
Shade: Cider. That is apple cider in whisky type.
On the nostril: Extremely gentle, with a contact of citrus.
Within the mouth: Is it even there? I’m simply joking. It got here in with way more warmth than anticipated from the nostril, and the general style may be very just like the scents. It does have only a contact of syrup along with the citrus, apple and pear. The end is non-existent, other than an enduring sting because of the warmth on the primary sip. Or perhaps it was simply early within the day for me.
Conclusions:
Forgettable, however not disagreeable. I want the fruit and taste on the whole was far stronger, and the warmth dialed down into smoothness. “Spirit ahead” doesn’t imply “burns your mouth.” Nonetheless, it might be wonderful in a highball for individuals who desire a whiskeyed different to a beer in the summertime warmth. (I have to ask forgiveness of non-American readers. It’s exhausting to interrupt the “e” behavior!) It may also be introduction to whisky for individuals who favor beer or cider.
Drinkable in a highball, however nothing to “wow” you.
Rating: 4/10
At this level, I used to be not optimistic, as I anticipated greater than a caustic introduction to the mouth adopted by such little depth of taste, however I used to be fortunately a lot happier in only a few sips.
Compass Field Hedonism – Assessment.
Scotch blended grain whisky. 43% ABV.
Shade: Mild golden yellow
On the nostril: Hearty apple, way more current than within the Orchard Home. A bit of spice and notes of vanilla
Within the mouth: What a welcome change! Scrumptious. Tastes like dessert. Chocolate. Filled with taste. End is minimal, however no awkward tingling or burn like with Orchard Home.
It’s been a decade since Hedonism was profiled on MALT, and a revisit isn’t a foul thought. This was my take-home favourite of the day, and it was a profound deal with after the sunshine nothingness of the Orchard Home. I sit up for choosing up a bottle quickly.
Rating: 8/10
Compass Field The Spice Tree – Assessment
Scotch blended malt whisky. 46% ABV.
Shade: Copper
On the nostril: All in regards to the Highland Malt. Hits you within the face after the Hedonism. Mild, refreshing citrus.
Within the mouth: Lovely. A lightweight, satisfying sting. I didn’t style the oak a lot, however it’s listed within the taste notes. Bits of ginger and—you guessed it—spice, an unsweet cinnamon. End: Lastly! There may be one. Some spice is left within the mouth.
Conclusions:
This was my second favourite, sufficient to purchase a bottle down the street.
Rating: 7/10
We had been solely midway by way of at this level, however I believe I’ve rambled on sufficient. In Half 2, we’ll cowl the Story of the Spaniard, Peat Monster and the Glasgow. For now, the Hedonism was the clear winner of the primary three.
Bottle photographs courtesy of Compass Field. Different pictures creator’s personal.
