Minnesota native John Glaser founded the blending house Compass Box from the kitchen of his west London home in 2000. His vision was to create the finest and most compelling whiskies and change the mindset that blends were somehow inferior to single malts. His forward-thinking approach would garner him many awards but also controversy. He was unafraid to challenge the Scotch Whisky Association for what he saw as arbitrary rules while trying to focus on transparency and quality for his whiskies. Although John stepped down from his leadership role in 2024, he does retain an ownership stake, and Compass Box continues with the principals he set forth. Orchard House is a blend of single malt whiskies, comprised mostly of barrels from the Clynelish and Linkwood distilleries. Complex fruit forward aromas of apple, pear, citrus, and biscuit hit first, expanding to tropical, honeycomb, and stone fruit notes. The palate is medium bodied but intense with flavors of malt, biscuit, pear, green apple, ginger, vanilla, and shortbread while retaining balance and freshness. Pair with an aged cheddar from our Cheese Shop. -Zach Rouillard, Spirit Buyer