Whisky Legend Angela D’Orazio Joins Compass Box as Creative Director to Redefine Scotch Innovation
Innovative blending house, Compass Box Scotch Whisky, proudly announces the appointment of Angela D’Orazio as Creative Director of Whiskymaking. With nearly three decades of award-winning expertise, D’Orazio joins Compass Box to lead its whiskymaking team in crafting bold, flavor-driven Scotch whiskies that challenge conventions and ignite curiosity.
A Visionary Leader in Whiskymaking
Angela D’Orazio, a globally recognized whisky expert, brings an extraordinary legacy to Compass Box. Known for her fearless creativity, she spent 17 years as Master Blender and Chief Nose Officer at Mackmyra, shaping the modern profile of Scandinavian whisky. Her groundbreaking achievements include creating Sweden’s first smoky whisky, pioneering unique finishes like Calvados and cloudberry wine, and co-developing the world’s first AI-designed whisky. A Whisky Hall of Fame inductee and World Whiskies Awards ‘Whisky Legend,’ D’Orazio’s influence spans the global whisky stage.
“Compass Box has innovation as part of its DNA, which means there’s so much opportunity to let our curiosity and courage explore what more can be created through the art of blending,” says D’Orazio.
Her training with industry giants like Glenmorangie, Morrison Bowmore, William Grant, and Bruichladdich—under the mentorship of Jim McEwan—has honed her ability to push whisky boundaries. As Head Chair of the Swedish Spirits Academy and a seasoned judge at prestigious competitions like IWSC, ISC, and the World Whiskies Awards, D’Orazio’s expertise is unmatched.
Compass Box’s Commitment to Innovation
Compass Box CEO Nishat Gupte expressed enthusiasm for D’Orazio’s appointment:
“We’re thrilled to welcome Angela D’Orazio to Compass Box as our new Creative Director of Whiskymaking,” says Gupte. “With almost three decades of experience and an extraordinary creative vision, Angela brings both depth and daring to the next chapter of our whiskymaking journey. As we continue to reimagine what Scotch can be, her leadership will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of flavor and imagination.”
D’Orazio’s role aligns with Compass Box’s mission to expand its creative whiskymaking capabilities, delivering expressive and boundary-challenging Scotch whiskies.
A Talented Whiskymaking Team
D’Orazio will lead a dynamic team of whiskymakers, including:
- Michael Stephenson, Whiskymaker: Transitioning from Compass Box Brand Ambassador to Whiskymaker in 2024, Stephenson combines sensory-led hospitality expertise with a knack for brand storytelling and blending.
- Samuel Travers, Whiskymaker: With a Master’s degree in Brewing and Distilling from Heriot-Watt University, Travers brings technical precision and creative flair from his work at Port of Leith, Sweetdram, Muckle Brig, and Lind & Lime.
Together, this team will drive Compass Box’s pursuit of innovative, flavor-forward whiskies.
A Fond Farewell to James Saxon
James Saxon, former Director of Whiskymaking, has decided to pursue a new career path outside of whiskymaking after six impactful years at Compass Box.
“It was my dream to work for this creative powerhouse since I first discovered Compass Box in 2011, and I am incredibly proud of the expressions we have created in that time,” says Saxon. “Angela is both a blender and person I have looked up to for more than a decade and I move on with unshakeable faith in the team who will drive Compass Box into its next chapter.”
A New Era for Compass Box
With D’Orazio at the helm, Compass Box is poised for an exciting future. The company remains dedicated to reinventing Scotch whisky, collaborating with visionary bartenders and designers to create compelling and surprising expressions. For more information, visit www.compassboxwhisky.com or follow @CompassBoxWhiskyCo on Instagram.
About Compass Box
Compass Box are Scotch whiskymakers with over 20 years of relentless innovation. Every blend is crafted to make the world of whisky more intriguing, pushing boundaries through creative collaborations and flavor-driven expressions.
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