Compass Box has unveiled Hedonism 2026, the latest instalment in one of Scotch whisky’s most celebrated annual limited editions, and the most complex expression in the series to date.
A blended grain whisky made from incredibly rare and aged Scotch whiskies, Hedonism 2026 marks a significant milestone. For the first time in the series’ history, Creative Director of Whiskymaking Angela D’Orazio has incorporated antique sherry casks into the blend, with older parcels of Port Dundas matured in refill sherry casks sitting at its heart. These are balanced against the brighter, creamier lift of first-fill bourbon barrels, the backbone of Hedonism’s house style, alongside whiskies from Cameronbridge Distillery and a 30-year-old component from Strathclyde Distillery.
The result is one of the richest and smoothest expressions to date. Elegantly layered, 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, with a quietly savoury, sherried depth that is new to Hedonism, yet still unmistakably itself.
Beyond the glass, the 2026 edition carries real star quality. Hedonism has long championed female influence, it was the first whisky to feature the image of a woman on its label, and that tradition continues this year with actress, director and proud Scot Karen Gillan stepping into the role of Hedonism Muse. Globally acclaimed Australian artist Emma Hack, known for her immersive body art and work on Gotye’s Somebody That I Used to Know video, created the label artwork in real time, painting and collaging directly onto Gillan before capturing the final image in a photograph.
With just 13,126 bottles available worldwide, Hedonism 2026 is not chill-filtered, bottled at 46% ABV, and available exclusively through Master of Malt.
