Compass Box - Whisky Table

Whisky Table with Michael Stephenson of Compass Box

In Whisky by Whisky MonsterLeave a Comment

Whisky Table is a project of mine, which sometimes comes from the dead on my YouTube channel. A couple of weeks ago, Michael Stephenson was here in Los Angeles, and I joined his tasting at Wally’s Santa Monica. After the tasting he spared me around 35 minutes to answer my questions and taste some Compass Box Whisky with me.

Watch the Full Interview

From Brand Ambassador to Master Blender

Michael’s story feels almost cinematic: originally from South Africa, he relocated to London and ended up just steps from Compass Box’s blending room. A whisky fan who applied for a job and kept pushing until he landed in the blending team—it’s the kind of story that inspires.

“You’ve got to have dreams, and you’ve got to set your mind to them.”

Why Whisky + Cheese Works Like Magic

Michael runs whisky & cheese pairings very oftern—and it turns out, they’re a delicious, sensible match.

  • Both are made from minimal ingredients and shaped by time, technique, and terroir
  • Cow’s milk cheeses tend to harmonize best with Scotch—think aged cheddar for bold whiskies
  • The trick is intensity: pair a rich dram like Crimson Cask with a robust cheese

Enter the New Core: Crimson Cask & Necarosity

Compass Box continues to evolve with two exciting new core expressions:

  • Crimson Cask: Rich, spicy, and sherry-forward, with Spanish red wine and French oak in the mix
  • Necarosity: A pastry-inspired whisky—think honey, flaky pastry, soft toffee

Michael says Necarosity is their “whisky meets pâtisserie” expression.

Compass Box Crimson Casks
Compass Box Nectarosity

Flaming Heart 2025: A Fiery, Peaty Symphony

The eighth edition of Flaming Heart blends Talisker, Laphroaig finished in Marsala, and Benrinnes aged in French oak. The result? Smoky, spicy, luxurious—and like blueberry flapjack in a glass.

This or That: Compass Box Throwdown

We finish the episode with a rapid-fire “This or That” featuring titles like Hedonism, Spice Tree, Peat Monster, Vellichor, Flaming Heart, The General, Three‑Year‑Old Deluxe, and more. You’ll have to watch to see which wins!

Final Pour

What stands out to me about this conversation is Compass Box’s refusal to sit still—they’re always telling new stories, pushing flavour, and keeping Scotch electric.

Tell me in the comments: what’s your go-to Compass Box expression? Have you tried the Hedonism 2025 or dare to pair flaming peat with cheese?

Slàinte!

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