Compass Box names whisky making director

Scotch whisky maker Compass Box has appointed James Saxon as its new whisky making director following the departure of John Glaser.

Saxon joined Compass Box in 2019 as whisky maker. He will take over the position from Glaser, founder of Compass Box, who will depart the company in April but remain a stakeholder.

Saxon has created a number of expressions since joining the company including Flaming Heart 2022, No Name, No. 3, Vellichor, and the Extinct Blends Quartet.

“It started with a glass of Asyla in April 2011,” Saxon said. “From that first sip, I became an ardent admirer of Compass Box and John Glaser’s mission to show the world what can be achieved through blending.

“Working beside him since 2019 has been both a pleasure and an education. Taking on the mantle of whisky making director is tremendously exciting.

“It’s not just a role, it’s a passion, and I could not be prouder to play such an influential role for this extraordinary brand, to collaborate with a highly talented and creative team, and to further expand the global whisky conversation.”

Glaser added: “I first met James Saxon at a Whisky Society tasting in St Andrews in 2011. Little did I know that eight years later I would be hiring James to join Compass Box. His creativity and sensibility for whisky making in the Compass Box way have become bedrock for us. It’s no surprise then, that I now pass the whisky-making torch to James, with the confident belief that he will continue to show the world what’s possible with Scotch whisky.”

Compass Box CEO Maurice Doyle said Saxon’s “uncanny ability to balance tradition with innovation makes him the ideal person to steer Compass Box whisky making into the future”.