Hedonism is one of the long-standing names in the Compass Box portfolio. In fact it was the first whisky they created back in 2000 and probably also the first blended grain whisky on the market. They’ve always stressed the quality and enjoyment that comes from grain whisky, often opposing the slightly condescending opinion of single malt drinkers.
As a blended grain Scotch whisky it contained whisky from Cameronbridge, North British, Girvan and Port Dondas distilleries. The names and proportions were subject to change between the different batches.
In 2020 Compass Box celebrated its 20th anniversary with a special edition, the slightly underwhelming Hedonism Felicitas. Since 2024 Hedonism became a limited annual release. And now, after John Glaser left the company, there is the new Compass Box Hedonism 2026.
I happened to have a review of an older Hedonism lined up for publication, but somehow it kept being postponed. Now that the 2026 release arrived, I think it’s a good opportunity to publish them both. Mind that they weren’t reviewed head-to-head.
The 2026 comes at 46% ABV and it’s the oldest recipe to date. While most components are around 20-24 years old, some are up to 31 years of age.
Compass Box Hedonism (46%, OB 2026, 13.218 btl.)
Nose: sweetness prevails, with caffé latte, vanilla cream, hints of oranges and fresh oak shavings. Lots of nougat. There’s also a floral side to it. Then almond notes, light herbal touches and mild hints of coconut. Not a lot of fruits, perhaps a little honeydew in the background.
Mouth: quite rich, you can tell there’s a good dose of old grain in there. Nougat is still the centerpiece, along with hazelnut cream, vanilla and well integrated oak spice. Then brown sugar and toffee, nutmeg and milk chocolate mousse. In the background there’s a sherry note as well, perhaps blackberries.
Finish: medium. A bit more oak comes out, with a grainy edge and wood polish, as well as vanilla. A subtle hint of apple acidity too.
A successful ugrade, I can tell you that. Very elegant and refined, never overdoing the grainy roughness or the classic coconut notes. Available from Master of Malt or The Whisky Exchange, among others.
Compass Box Hedonism (43%, OB +/- 2023)
Nose: the expected vanilla and caramel from grain whisky certainly comes out. On the other hand this is surprisingly fresh, with plenty of green apple and lemon zest aromas. Some sponge cake and popcorn. Floral aromas and whiffs of hand moisturizer as well. Light and easy-going.
Mouth: sweet and oaky, showing vanilla, more popcorn and a bourbon creaminess. Sweet toffee, hints of cookie dough and a little coconut. Then almond milk and a few drops of herbal tea. The grainy roughness that you sometimes get, is ironed out here.
Finish: perhaps a little short, but still nicely rounded, on vanilla, coconut and a grainy edge.
A very smooth and enjoyable grain whisky, which manages to round off all edges. Compared to a good single malt this may be a little shallow, but in terms of sheer pleasure it definitely earned its place. It also worked with ice in hot weather. Still available from TyndrumWhisky for instance. Score: 82/100