Angela D’Orazio named Compass Box whisky-making director
Compass Box has appointed ex-Mackmyra master blender Angela D’Orazio as its new creative director of whisky making, bringing the company to an even male/female split.
D’Orazio brings nearly 30 years of experience to her new role at the Scotch whisky blending company. This includes a 17-year tenure at Sweden’s Mackmyra Distillery as master blender and chief nose officer, during which she helped to define the modern profile of Scandinavian whisky.
Her accomplishments with the brand include crafting Sweden’s first smoky whisky, and experimenting with finishes such as calvados and cloudberry wine, as well as co-developing the world’s first AI-designed whisky.
She was also the founding member and head chair of the Swedish Spirits Academy, was named a World Whiskies Awards ‘whisky legend’, and was inducted into the Whisky Hall of Fame in 2019.
Prior to her time at Mackmyra, she held the position of brand ambassador at Glenmorangie in Scandinavia. She also trained with Morrison Bowmore, William Grant, and Bruichladdich, where she credits Jim McEwan as a mentor.
Now, D’Orazio will lead Compass Box’s team of whisky makers in pursuit of the brand’s commitment to creating flavour-driven whiskies that challenge conventions and push the boundaries of innovation, curiosity and creativity.
She will work alongside Michael Stephenson, who transitioned from Compass Box brand ambassador to whisky maker in 2024, and Samuel Travers, whose technical training and diverse experience across Port of Leith, Sweetdram, Muckle Brig and Lind & Lime are said to bring precision and creativity to the team.
“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,” said D’Orazio.
According to the OurWhisky Foundation, D’Orazio’s appointment brings the company to a 50/50 gender split across the business.
Nishat Gupte, CEO of Compass Box, added: “We’re thrilled to welcome Angela D’Orazio to Compass Box as our new creative director of whisky making. With almost three decades of experience and an extraordinary creative vision, Angela brings both depth and daring to the next chapter of our whisky-making journey. As we continue to reimagine what Scotch can be, her leadership will be instrumental in pushing the boundaries of flavour and imagination.
D’Orazio takes over the director of whisky making role from James Saxon, who has held the position since 2024 and is stepping down to pursue a career outside of whisky.
“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,” said Saxon. “Angela is both a blender and a 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.”
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