A Coveted Infusion | Orangerie

You could call John Glaser a renegade whiskeymaker.  An American ex-pat living in London and former executive at Johnnie Walker, Glaser started Compass Box Scotch Whiskey in 2000 by experimenting in his kitchen.  He now produces several extraordinary and award-winning small batch blended whiskeys made from malts sourced from Scotland’s most notable distillers.

His latest release, Orangerie, is back by popular demand, specifically because of the media and industry frenzy it first created three years ago.  Made with a soft, sweet blend of Highland single malt and single grain whiskey from Fife and infused with hand zested Navalino oranges, Indonesian cassia bark and Sri Lankan cloves, Orangerie quickly became coveted on both sides of the pond.

Glaser fondly remembers the relentless text messages from Brit barman Ben Scorah who had seen the limited edition infusion in London and was hell bent on getting it for his world renowned whiskey bar, Beekman Bar & Books. “He texted us weekly to check on its arrival!”

While scotch whiskey may remain predominately a male pursuit, interest in Orangerie by female mixologists has opened it up to a new audience.  “Women are swooning over Orangerie,” says Glaser.  “They love the orange zest. It’s very approachable.”

With a suggestion to drink it chilled with an orange twist and paired with a piece of dark chocolate, we can certainly understand why.

Available in 750ml bottles for $40, Orangerie is sold at specialty retailers in select markets around the world. Check the web site for a complete list of locations.

PHOTO CREDIT:  Courtesy of Compass Box Scotch Whiskey