Unbiased scotch mixing home Compass Field has been going by means of many huge modifications since its acquisition by London-based funding group Caelum Capital in 2022. In February 2024, Compass Field introduced that Hedonism—the grain whisky mix that launched the model in 2000 and had been a staple of the core vary for over 23 years—would change into an annual expression going ahead. Followers could be rocked once more simply days later when John Glaser, the model’s maverick founder, parted methods with Compass Field after over 20 years on the helm. He was succeeded as whisky making director by James Saxon, who had been with the model for over 5 years.
With its flagship whisky was a high-end restricted launch, the face of the corporate gone, and a brand new blender on the helm, Compass Field was set to usher in a brand new age at first of final yr. The primary main shift was a shake-up of the core vary, with Spice Tree and Story of the Spaniard getting changed by two new blends: Nectarosity and Crimson Casks. Now the model has introduced its newest main change, with Saxon stepping down and veteran blender Angela D’Orazio taking up as Compass Field’s new director of whisky making.
Skilled Hand
D’Orazio brings 30 years of expertise to her new position at Compass Field. She bought her begin again in 1992 as a model ambassador for Glenmorangie in Scandinavia, however ultimately she made the change into manufacturing, searching for tutelage at a number of producers together with Glenmorangie, Morrison (maker of Outdated Perth blended malt, amongst different labels), Bowmore, William Grant, and Bruichladdich, the place she was mentored by the legendary Jim McEwan.
However D’Orazio is greatest recognized for her work with the pioneering Swedish distillery Mackmyra. She joined Mackmyra in 2004, having spent the 2 prior years on an exterior sensory group tasked with serving to the fledgling distillery develop its home type. She shortly moved up the ranks on the manufacturing group, ultimately being promoted to grasp blender—a task she held for 17 years, earlier than stepping away in 2021. Throughout her time there, D’Orazio confirmed a powerful penchant towards experimentation with manufacturing strategies—one thing that makes her a very good match for the eclectic Compass Field. A few of her extra attention-grabbing initiatives embody utilizing native Swedish oak, smoking whisky utilizing peat blended with juniper branches, creating a mix with assist from an AI, maturing barrels underground in an deserted iron mine, and tapping unique ending casks seasoned with cloudberry wine, birch tree sap, or Japanese inexperienced tea.
With D’Orazio on the helm, Compass Field’s whisky making suite is rounded out by two different blenders. Michael Stephenson has a background within the hospitality area, and beforehand labored as a Compass Field model ambassador till being promoted to the manufacturing group final yr. Samuel Travers joined Compass Field earlier this yr, following stints at Port of Leith, Sweetdram, and Lind & Lime gin. Travers was accountable for creating Brûlée Royale, a limited-edition blended malt which isn’t but out there within the U.S.
James Saxon’s Departure
In line with Compass Field, outgoing director of whisky making Saxon has stepped down from the corporate to pursue a profession exterior of whisky. Saxon joined the model in 2019, and shortly distinguished himself for his mixing skills. Only a yr into his tenure, he helped co-create Rogues’ Banquet—a restricted version mix comprising Miltonduff, North British, Clynelish, and Glen Elgin—alongside Glaser.
For a lot of followers Glaser was Compass Field, and discovering a alternative lead whisky maker that would carry his torch appeared like an inconceivable quest. However Saxon proved himself to be as much as the duty. Earlier than Glaser’s departure, Saxon was positioned answerable for his personal initiatives, which included some critically spectacular whiskies like Flaming Coronary heart 2022, No Identify No. 3, Vellichor, and the endlessly fascinating Extinct Blends Quartet. His whiskies launched after the promotion have been additionally high-quality, together with Travelling Circus, Secrets and techniques of Smoke, Flaming Coronary heart 2025, and Crimson Casks, which made an look on our High 20 Whiskies of 2024 record.
“It was my dream to work for this artistic powerhouse since I first found Compass Field in 2011, and I’m extremely pleased with the expressions we’ve created in that point,” mentioned Saxon in a press release. “Angela is each a blender and an individual I’ve seemed as much as for greater than a decade, and I transfer on with unshakeable religion within the group who will drive Compass Field into its subsequent chapter.”
