Compass Box Distillery

Compass Box Distillery

Region
  • UK, London
Awards
  • The Spice Tree, 2020, The Peat Monster, 2020, Great King Street, 2019
Website
  • https://www.compassboxwhisky.com/
Phone Number
  • +44(0)20 8995 0899
Address
  • 9 Power Rd, Chiswick, London W4 5PY, United Kingdom

Industrial buildings reflected in water at Box Distillery.

About Compass Box Distillery

 

Compass Box Distillery stands out in the world of whisky-making with its innovative approach and commitment to artistry.

Founded in 2000 by John Glaser, a former marketing director at Diageo, Compass Box has redefined the craft of blending in the Scotch whisky industry. 

The distillery is known for its small-batch, artisanal production, which emphasizes quality and creativity over volume.

Unlike traditional distilleries, Compass Box does not distil its own whisky. Instead, it sources spirits from various Scottish distilleries and blends them to create unique and complex flavour profiles. 

This model allows for a broad exploration of taste, unbound by the constraints of a single malt’s character. Compass Box’s portfolio includes a range of blended malt and grain whiskies, each with its own story and flavour journey.

Philosophy of Compass Box Distillery

Transparency is a cornerstone of Compass Box’s philosophy. The distillery advocates for the disclosure of the composition of its blends, providing whisky enthusiasts with detailed information about the age, region, and wood treatment of the whiskies used in their blends. 

This openness has garnered a following among those who appreciate understanding the craft behind their drinks. 

Innovation at Compass Box Distillery

The distillery also places a strong emphasis on innovation, often pushing the boundaries of conventional whisky production.

Compass Box has been at the forefront of experimenting with new types of oak maturation, extending the ageing process, and exploring unconventional blending techniques. 

These efforts have led to the release of award-winning whiskies that have challenged and expanded the perceptions of blended Scotch.

Packaging of Compass Box Whiskies

In packaging and presentation, Compass Box whiskies are immediately recognizable. The company collaborates with artists and designers to create visually striking labels and boxes that reflect the intricate and layered nature of the whiskies inside.

This attention to aesthetic detail ensures that the experience of a Compass Box whisky begins even before the bottle is opened.

For those looking to explore the innovative world of Scotch whisky, Compass Box offers a refreshing and enlightening journey, marrying the old traditions of whisky-making with a new, forward-thinking vision.

 

 

Awards Won by Compass Box

The Spice Tree, 2020:

  • Gold Winner in the Blended Malt category at the World Whiskies Awards.
  • Also recognized as a No Age Statement Gold Winner at the World Whiskies Awards.

The Peat Monster, 2020: Category Winner for No Age Statement at the World Whiskies Awards.

Great King Street, 2019: Awarded Gold in the Blended Malt – Super Premium category at The Scotch Whisky Masters.

Hedonism, 2008: Titled the World’s Best Grain Whisky at the World Whisky Awards.

John Glaser: Awarded as Innovator of the Year four times by Whisky Magazine.

Glasgow Blend, 2023: Named Category Winner at the World Whiskies Awards with a distinctive flavour profile, including bacon-flavored crisps, smoked cured meat, honey-roasted almonds, and a mix of fruits and chocolates.

The Circle: Global Bartender Programme by Compass Box

The Circle is a program initiated by Compass Box to celebrate and bring together the creativity and craft of the bartending community. It serves as a platform for bartenders worldwide to showcase their talent and innovation in whisky blending. 

The initiative is part of Compass Box’s broader commitment to pushing the boundaries of what is possible in whisky production and presentation. 

Each year, The Circle invites bartenders to participate in a competition where they can submit their own whisky blend or a cocktail recipe using Compass Box whiskies.

The winner of this competition is given the unique opportunity to work with Compass Box’s blending team to create a new, limited edition Compass Box whisky. 

This collaboration highlights the distillery’s dedication to fostering a sense of community and shared passion for the art of whisky. The program not only recognizes the skills of the bartenders but also provides them with a deeper understanding of the blending process. 

Through workshops, tastings, and direct mentorship, participants gain valuable insights into the complexities of flavor, aroma, and the balance required to produce a high-quality blend.

The Circle is reflective of Compass Box’s innovative spirit and its desire to engage with and contribute to the wider world of spirits and mixology. It encapsulates the company’s ethos of transparency, education, and collaboration, all while celebrating the creative potential within the drinks industry.

What To Do Nearby Compass Box

Near Compass Box Distillery in London, there’s a variety of attractions and activities to explore:

Within 5 Minutes

  • Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park: A vast park offering leisure facilities and beautiful landscapes (3 minutes away).
  • CRATE Brewery Tours: Experience local craft beer making (3 minutes away).
  • Howling Hops: Another brewery option for beer enthusiasts (4 minutes away).
  • Studio 9294: A versatile venue hosting a range of events (4 minutes away).
  • The Yard Theatre: A cutting-edge theatre for contemporary performances (4 minutes away)​​​​​​.

Within 10 to 20 Minutes

  • London Stadium: Iconic venue for sports and concerts (9 minutes away).
  • ArcelorMittal Orbit: A striking sculpture and observation tower (11 minutes away).
  • Westfield Stratford City: A major shopping center (12 minutes away).
  • London Aquatics Centre: World-class swimming facility (10 minutes away).
  • Victoria Park: One of London’s oldest parks, great for a relaxing stroll (20 minutes away)​​.

Slightly Further (2-6 Miles)

  • Tower Bridge and Tower of London: Iconic historical landmarks (3.5-3.6 miles away).
  • National Gallery and Houses of Parliament: Renowned cultural institutions (5.3-5.5 miles away).
  • St. Paul’s Cathedral and Westminster Abbey: Must-visit architectural marvels (4-5.6 miles away).
  • Gin Journey: For a unique gin-tasting experience (2 miles away).
  • Sky Garden: Offers panoramic views of London (3.6 miles away)​​​​​​.

Frequently Asked Questions

What restaurants are near Compass Box?

Lunchbox: Breakfast & Lunch: It has a rating of 4.7 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442087473141. Their address is 405 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 4AR, United Kingdom. 

Strand Cafe: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442089951012. Their address is 109 Strand-on-the-Green, Chiswick, London W4 3NQ, United Kingdom. 

Annie’s: It has a rating of 4.5 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442089949080. Their address is 162 Thames Rd, Chiswick, London W4 3QS, United Kingdom. 

What hotels are near Compass Box?

Clayton Hotel Chiswick: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442089965200. Their address is 626 Chiswick High Rd., Chiswick, London W4 5RY, United Kingdom. 

Coach & Horses (Hotel): It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442089401208. Their address is 8 Kew Grn, Richmond TW9 3BH, United Kingdom. 

Hotel Shepherds Bush London: It has a rating of 4.3 stars on Google Maps.
For reservations, you can reach out to them on their phone at +442030263770. Their address is 11 -12 Poplar Mews, Uxbridge Rd, London W12 7JS, United Kingdom.