The Story of the Spaniard
About
Compass Box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director at Johnnie Walker who channelled his passion for blending into his own independent brand. The Story of the Spaniard grew from a limited-edition release of the same name, inspired by Glaser's early encounter with Spanish sherry. This blended malt draws from Speyside and Highland distilleries—Strathmill, Teaninich, Glen Moray, Glendullan, and Deanston among them—with significant portions aged in Spanish red wine casks. The blend is deliberately layered: 40% from the Aberlour area in sherry butts, 25% Teaninich matured in ex-Spanish wine casks, rounded out with other malts in bourbon and European oak. The result is full-bodied and soft, with the Spanish wine influence present but never dominating. On the palate, citrus peel, dried apricot, and red fruit emerge—reminiscent of pears poached in red wine—alongside vanilla and cinnamon warmth. The finish is creamy and spiced, citrus and pepper lingering gently before fading. This is an approachable whisky that seeks balance between fruitiness, sweetness, and the subtle tannins of the Spanish casks.