Akio Morita, founder of Sony, used to say that people can’t tell you what they want, because they don’t know what’s possible.

What I’m trying to do with Compass Box is show the world what’s possible with Scotch whisky.

From the original Compass Box business plan, 2000

Dear friends of Compass Box,

After an incredible 23-year journey, it’s time for me to bid farewell to Compass Box. This decision wasn’t easy, but I believe it’s the right moment to hand over the reins to the next generation of Compass Box whiskymakers.

In 2000, I set sail on a mission to share the joys of whisky with more people in the world. From the day I walked into Royal Mile Whiskies in Edinburgh to introduce the very first batch of Hedonism, it’s been a remarkable voyage.

Meeting so many of you has been a privilege and a joy. From Singapore to San Francisco to St Andrews, I’ve shared drams with whisky lovers around the world, forging lasting connections along the way.

In 2011, at the University of St Andrews, I met James Saxon at a Whisky Society tasting. Little did I know then that eight years later I would be hiring James to join us at Compass Box. His journey has been remarkable, starting from his early days commuting to our London Blending Room from Glasgow, followed by our first collaboration on Rogues’ Banquet, to his work today, delivering exceptional whiskies such as the most recent Flaming Heart and the Extinct Blends Quartet. His creativity and sensibility for whiskymaking in the Compass Box way have become bedrock for us.

It’s no surprise then, that I now pass the whiskymaking torch to James, with the confident belief that he will continue to show the world what’s possible with Scotch whisky.

As I embark on a new chapter, my love for Compass Box remains unwavering. I’ll continue to champion the brand as a devoted advocate, confident in its continued success and evolution.

Here’s to an extraordinary 23 years, challenging the status quo to share the joys of Scotch whisky with the world.

Above all, share and enjoy!

John

Compass Box Whisky, 3 Water Lane, Richmond London, TW9 1TJ