Compass Box

Compass Box is one of the most influential and creative names in modern Scotch whisky, known for redefining the possibilities of blended Scotch and blended malt whisky. Founded in London in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director at Johnnie Walker, Compass Box set out to bring a winemaker’s mindset to whisky-making, focusing on flavour creation, transparency, and innovation rather than tradition for tradition’s sake.

From the start, Compass Box challenged industry norms by openly sharing details about the components in its blends, including the distilleries involved and the exact proportions used, a level of transparency rare in Scotch whisky. While some regulations have restricted how much can be disclosed on labels, the brand continues to publish full recipes for enthusiasts who request them directly.

Unlike traditional whisky companies that own distilleries, Compass Box sources whiskies from a network of partner distilleries across Scotland, carefully selecting single malts and single grains that will work in harmony. The blending is done at their London headquarters, where the team experiments with different combinations and cask types before final maturation.

Cask influence is central to the Compass Box style. They use a wide range of oak types and finishes, from first-fill bourbon barrels and refill hogsheads to custom-toasted new French oak casks. This diversity allows them to layer flavours in ways rarely seen in Scotch, borrowing concepts from the wine world in terms of wood treatment and maturation design.

In addition to its core and limited-edition releases, Compass Box produces one-off experimental bottlings and collaborates with bars, whisky clubs, and retailers for exclusive creations.

Flavour profiles across the range reflect Compass Box’s ethos: balance, clarity, and expressiveness. Whether it’s the maritime smoke of The Peat Monster, the dessert-like smoothness of Hedonism, or the spicy depth of The Spice Tree, each bottling is designed to offer a distinct and memorable drinking experience.

Compass Box has also been an advocate for whisky as an art form, emphasising storytelling, design, and presentation. Their labels often feature striking artwork and imaginative names, reinforcing the idea that whisky is as much about emotional connection as it is about flavour.

Our Compass Box selection includes flagship favourites and limited releases, offering something for peat lovers, sherry fans, and those seeking lighter, fruitier drams. Whether you’re new to Scotch or a seasoned collector, Compass Box delivers some of the most creative, transparent, and flavour-driven whiskies available today, proving that blending can be every bit as exciting and prestigious as single malt production.