American John Glaser, a former marketing director for Scotland's biggest whisky brand, Johnnie Walker, started Compass Box in 2000 with an emphasis on robust blends with as much punchy personality as more expensive single malts. Mission accomplished. This small-batch offering delivers the robust, peaty-smoky quality and sherry-like depth one would expect to taste in pricier single malt, with rich, luscious apricot and dried fruit characters accented by lively spice.