Orangerie in New Packaging
I got to try it back in March when I met up with John in DC, but I decided to keep my mouth shut until he got closer to launch.
Whereas the old version was available only in 375 ml, the new bottling will only be available in 750ml in the US and 70cl in Europe.. Luckily I hoard and still have an unopened bottle of the old bottling. Which, like all Compass Box special editions, I will likely not open until the day before I decide to quit drinking.
To make Orangerie we begin with great whisky. We use a soft, sweet blend of Highland single malt and single grain whisky from Fife. Secondly, we use only the freshest, highest quality oranges and top class aromatic spices. Importantly, we zest the fruit by hand and use only fresh zest in our infusion. Only the hand-zested peel of really fresh Navalino oranges gives you the lively, vibrant flavours that are the hallmark of Orangerie.
This is my original posting about Orangerie from November 2005:
Compass Box Orangerie a “Scotch Whisky Infusion”
OK, this stuff is simply delicious.Think of a creamy, sweet Scotch whisky infused with tiny shavings of fresh orange peel & spices. Imagine it bottled once a year for drinking in cold weather. This is Compass Box ‘Orangerie.’
I shared this with family the night before Thanksgiving, and the response was overwhelming. This is something to be shared. It’s warming, smooth, citrusy and was the perfect accompaniment to the warm turtle brownie sundaes that gourmet Julie whipped up.
Not everyone at the table is a Scotch fan (I know, I know, but they ARE family) but everyone tried it, and everyone loved it.
Orangerie isn’t cheap at anywhere from $33 (Sam’s & Binny’s in Chicago) to $40 (Park Avenue Liquor in New York) for a 375 ml bottle. But what do you expect from a hand-crafted once a year Scotch?
If you want to kiss up to your a-hole boss, need to make sure that government witness will keep his mouth shut, or if you’ve been disinherited and want to get back in good with the aged patriarch of your family, Orangerie will do the job.
I have no doubt that you’ll like the new version just as much.
Look for it in the US starting in September 2009.
40% abv.
No information of SRP for US yet.
Selling for £27.00 in the UK.
Orangerie Poster
*YOU* are whomever gives me the best reason to give you the poster. And you pay the postage. (eMails of scantily clad women and other salacious entries should be emailed to kevin at thescotchblog dot com).
This closes …uh let’s say Sunday July 5th.
If you don’t win, you can buy one here. There are only 500 available – aside from these 2).
Please note: The one you may win is NOT signed by John. Sorry.
The new version has been available in Europe for almost a year now, and it’s just as great as the previous release! It’s great with a dark chocolate mousse.