It is no exaggeration to call Compass Box Hedonism one of the true great Scotch whiskies of the 21st century. It reframed the discussion around grain whisky at a time when single malt stole the headlines and proved that flavour ultimately always wins.
It has since become an annual release, and in 2026, for the first time, antique sherry casks step into Hedonism’s world. The depth and richness they bring are worth savouring, whatever your taste in whisky.
To represent the whisky's evolving character, the artwork shifts with each bottle. This year, Scottish actor and director Karen Gillan stars as a muse to artist Emma Hack's vision. And those who preorder the 2026 edition of Hedonism could win a chance to meet Gillian in Los Angeles.
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46% • 70cl
Hedonism returns in a new guise, and as ever, it is not just the label that has evolved. This year’s release sees antique sherry casks meeting first-fill bourbon barrels, with older parcels of Port Dundas matured in refill sherry casks at its heart. This brings dried fruit depth, polished oak and a quietly savoury edge. That richness is counterbalanced by the brighter, creamier lift of first-fill bourbon casks, the backbone of Hedonism’s house style.
This edition keeps the blend’s trademark elegance but dials up the layering. Expect caffè latte creaminess and butterscotch sweetness up front, lifted by a bright flicker of orange cream. As it settles, richer tones emerge. Polished wood sugars, soft nougat, toasted hazelnut. It is still unmistakably Hedonism. Just with a little extra sherried depth added to its famously golden core.
Her artistic style is layered and deeply expressive, best seen in her famous work on Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know music video
With Karen Gillan as her muse, Emma has created an interpretation of the Hedonism woman to celebrate beauty, duality and boldness - breathing new life into the whisky.
A MUSE FOR A MODERN HEDONISM
A star of the Marvel Cinematic Universe, Doctor Who, and the recent Jumanji films, Gillan is well known to audiences.
They may also be aware that she is also a lifelong whisky lover with roots in the Highlands. Emma saw in Karen the grace, strength and independence that define the original Hedonism woman and has sought to capture that on the new edition's label.
Emma's artistic perspective merges the human form with pattern, texture and storytelling.
Founded in 2000, Compass Box set out to make Scotch whisky more interesting. Working from its Blending Room in London, the brand has built a reputation for treating blending as a creative discipline rather than a quiet backroom function. Not a distillery, or a mere bottler. Compass Box is a Scotch Whiskymaker, and to be fair, the results justify the title.
Start your journey with the signature blend, Orchard House, then explore the distinct flavour territories of Scotch with the Classics range: Nectarosity, The Peat Monster and Crimson Casks. If you want to push the boundaries further, try the Limited Editions.
Buy a bottle of Hedonism 2026 from Compass Box at Master of Malt and you are automatically in with a chance to win a trip to Los Angeles. One winner and a guest, both aged 21 or over, will fly from a UK airport to LA for three nights, attend an exclusive Hedonism 2026 tasting hosted by creative director of whiskymaking Angela D’Orazio, and meet Karen Gillan in person. The prize also includes a complimentary dinner and two Hedonism 2026 gift sets sent to a UK address before travel, each complete with a bottle, tasting glasses and chocolate truffles.
There are runner-up prizes too. Five winners will receive a Hedonism 2026 artwork poster signed by Karen Gillan, while ten winners will head to the Compass Box Blending Room in London for a whisky blending session for two. Not a bad return for buying one of the most decadent blended grain Scotch whiskies of the year.
