PRODUCT DESCRIPTION
In 2000, a young company called Compass Box released the world’s first blended grain Scotch whisky, and called it Hedonism. It made grain whisky, long treated as filler for blended Scotch, the star, and it was one of the first whiskies to put a woman at the center of its label. Over the years, the old and rare grain whiskies that Hedonism requires have become harder to find, so the whisky is now released once a year as a Limited Annual Release, with each edition reinterpreting its character from the increasingly rare stocks available, and with a different female artist asked to reimagine the “Hedonism woman.” The 2026 release is the third edition in that series.
This year’s artist is Emma Hack, best known for her body-painting work and for Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know video, who invited Scottish actor, director, and filmmaker Karen Gillan (Guardians of the Galaxy, Jumanji, Doctor Who), a lifelong whisky lover born in Inverness, to be her muse. The label is a fusion of gilding, paint, and photography that transforms Gillan into a living artwork. As Gillan says, “To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me.”
The whisky inside is the oldest Hedonism to date. Compass Box’s Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D’Orazio, assembled grain whiskies from Strathclyde (including a 30-year-old, one of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism), Port Dundas (a closed distillery), and Cameronbridge, aged 20 to 24 years, along with historic blended grain parcels, and, for the first time, a sherry cask component. D’Orazio says, “The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year’s expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions.” It’s bottled at 46% ABV (92 proof), non-chill filtered, with natural colour, and only 13,218 bottles were released worldwide.
Retailers describe “rich notes of toffee, vanilla custard, nougat, and roasted almonds with a smooth, creamy finish,” and “creamy latte, butterscotch, nougat, hazelnut, and chocolate notes.” The Whiskey Wash’s reviewer called it “a luxurious, creamy blend that proves aged grain is worth seeking out,” and “a release like this shows why well aged and matured grain is worth seeking out.” It’s a soft, sweet, creamy dram for people who find single malt too peaty or sharp, an easy entry into the world of aged grain whisky, and one of the most collectible annual releases in Scotch. It’s also a gift for fans of Karen Gillan, and for anyone who appreciates a label that’s a piece of art. Enjoy it neat, with a few drops of water.
Compass Box Hedonism 2026 Limited Annual Release is blended by Compass Box Scotch Whisky, Creative Director of Whiskymaking Angela D’Orazio. It is a 100% grain Scotch whisky, blending a 30-year-old Strathclyde, 20-to-24-year-old Port Dundas and Cameronbridge, and historic blended grain parcels, with a new sherry cask component. Non-chill filtered, natural colour. Bottled at 46% ABV / 92 proof, 700ml. 13,218 bottles worldwide.
The Whiskey Wash:
“A luxurious, creamy blend that proves aged grain is worth seeking out... A release like this shows why well aged and matured grain is worth seeking out.”
Compass Box (Angela D’Orazio, Creative Director of Whiskymaking):
“The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year’s expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions.”
Retailer tasting notes:
“Rich notes of toffee, vanilla custard, nougat, and roasted almonds with a smooth, creamy finish.” · “Creamy latte, butterscotch, nougat, hazelnut, and chocolate.”
Nose
Toffee, vanilla custard, and butterscotch, with nougat and roasted almond.
Palate
Creamy and rich, with latte, nougat, hazelnut, and chocolate, and a darker sherry edge.
Finish
Smooth and creamy, with toffee and roasted nuts.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Style | Blended Grain Scotch Whisky — Limited Annual Release |
| ABV / Proof | 46% ABV / 92 Proof |
| Components | 30-year-old Strathclyde; 20–24-year-old Port Dundas and Cameronbridge; historic blended grain parcels; new sherry cask component |
| Filtration | Non-chill filtered; natural colour |
| Producer | Compass Box Scotch Whisky |
| Whiskymaker | Angela D’Orazio |
| Edition | 2026 — the third Limited Annual Release; the oldest Hedonism yet |
| Label | Artwork by Emma Hack; Karen Gillan as the muse |
| Production | 13,218 bottles worldwide |
| Style / Identity | A rich, dark, creamy aged grain whisky in a collectible artist label |
| Aromas & Flavors | Toffee, vanilla custard, nougat, roasted almond, creamy latte, butterscotch, chocolate |
| Bottle Size | 700ml |
Neat or with a few drops of water — to open the creamy, nutty notes.
Old Fashioned — a soft, sweet, aged-grain base.
Bottle Size: All bottles are 750ML/700ML unless otherwise noted.
21 and Over: Adult Signature Required
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