Hedonism - Limited Annual Release 2026 Compass Box

Profile: The Hedonism - Limited Annual Release 2026 Compass Box

• Hedonism goes Hollywood: Annual Release 2026 with actress Karen Gillan
• Grain Gold: The third annual release from Compass Box Hedonism
• Collectible Whisky Art: Limited to 13,218 bottles worldwide
• Dates, sweet spices, coffee and raisins: The grain whiskies used are up to 30 years old

Portrait: What makes the Hedonism - Limited Annual Release 2026 Compass Box special

When a whisky is called "Hedonism", you can assume it doesn't do things by halves. The Hedonism - Limited Annual Release 2026 from Compass Box makes a correspondingly confident statement – ​​this year even with a touch of Hollywood glamour.

Compass Box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser with the mission to shake up the world of Scotch a little.

Compass Box was founded in 2000 by John Glaser with the mission of shaking up the world of Scotch a bit.

Instead of remaining quietly in the background, the distillery sees itself as a creative whisky atelier. Transparency, a spirit of experimentation, and artistic labels are just as important here as excellent casks.
Hedonism was the distillery's very first release - and a pioneer at the same time: one of the first blended grain Scotch whiskies ever, at a time when grain whisky was mostly overshadowed by single malts. Since 2024, Hedonism has been released as a limited annual edition - always presented as a collector's item. For 2026, the motto is: "Hedonism goes Hollywood." The iconic figure on the label is portrayed by Scottish actress Karen Gillan, known from Doctor Who, Guardians of the Galaxy, and Jumanji: Welcome to the Jungle.
She was brought to life by Australian artist Emma Hack, who masterfully combines art and body painting.

The result: a bottle that one would actually want to frame - if it weren't standing so temptingly on the shelf. Behind the scenes, Master Blender Angela D’Orazio worked, using some of the oldest components ever used for this edition - including 30-year-old single grain from the Strathclyde Distillery. Further components come from the Cameronbridge Distillery and the legendary "lost distillery" Port Dundas Distillery. Thus, this bottling combines Scottish distilling history, modern blending artistry, and a good dose of pop culture.

In short: A whisky that not only carries history within it but writes its own – in true evening style, with a flurry of flashbulbs.

The whiskies used in detail:
The Port Dundas Distillery Single Grain (31.2%), Refill Sherry Butt
The Port Dundas Distillery Single Grain (30%), Recharred American Oak Hogshead
Hedonism 2025 Vatting (14.1%), primarily 1st-fill Bourbon Barrels
Blended Grain Parcel (13.1%), 1st-fill Bourbon Barrels (1-year-finish)
The Cameronbridge Distillery Single Grain (5.4%), 1st-fill Bourbon Barrel
Hedonism 2024 Vatting (3.1%), primarily 1st-fill Bourbon Barrels
The Strathclyde Distillery Single Grain (3.1%), Refill Bourbon Barrel

Outturn: 13,218 bottles

Tasting Notes: This is how the Hedonism - Limited Annual Release 2026 Compass Box tastes like

• Nose: Warm, rich, and exceptionally inviting. The initial impression is reminiscent of freshly cut fruitcake, interwoven with clove spice, juicy dates, and soft toffee. The sweetness is gentle and rounded, yet balanced by a pleasantly fragrant dryness that lends structure and elegance to the bouquet. Overall harmonious and complex, without seeming overloaded.
• Palate: On the palate, the classic, much-appreciated Hedonism texture is evident: soft, melting, and dense. The aromas are darker and somewhat more intense than in previous editions. Notes of freshly brewed coffee and creamy toffee take center stage, accompanied by a multifaceted development of dry sherry nuances. Roasted almonds provide a nutty depth, while tart raisins offer an exciting contrast. The flavor unfolds continuously, inviting you to savor every moment.
• Finish: The aftertaste is round and pleasantly lingering. A creamy, cocoa-like note remains, lending the finish a soft, slightly chocolatey elegance.