COMPASS BOX HEDONISM LIMITED ANNUAL RELEASE 2024
BLENDED GRAIN SCOTCH WHISKY
SCOTLAND
Why Buy: If you've ever had the pleasure of spending some time with a bottle of Hedonism, you know they're not kidding with the name. And if you haven't – well, this is your chance to make a discovery. This limited release of just over 7,500 bottles is a blend of 6 grain whiskies from the 1990s, an era when some Scottish distillers featured maize in their mashes. The result? A big, buttery-rich whisky that goes down so smooth and easy. And collectors, take note: it’s become harder and harder for partners John Glaser and James Saxon to source the caliber of whiskies they need to produce this highly distinctive expression and so, starting this year, Hedonism is to become a limited-edition, annual release.
The Story: The story of Hedonism begins in 2000. That was the year that Compass Box master blender Glaser created the first-ever blended grain whisky – a signal development for a spirit that, to that point, had seen little innovation in its long history. Hedonism, Glaser christened it, and over the next two decades it became a darling of the spirits press and a bottle that collectors pursued with fevered intensity.
Specs: Glaser and Saxon sourced these grain whiskies from three producers: The Cameronbridge Distillery (a 15 year old, an 18 year old, and a 26 year old) The Port Dundas Distillery (a 23 year old), and The Girvan Distillery (a 21 year old). All aged almost entirely in first-fill bourbon barrels.
Our Tasting Notes: What a nose! Not just complex, but also delicate, calling forth the buttery, creamy, bready goodness of a patisserie in full swing. Just as you become acculturated to these notes, a secondary wave of vanilla, caramel, and clove arrives. On the palate, the tease of patisserie aromas is backed by notes of creamy custard, as well as, secondarily, accents of honey and mascarpone. It finishes with an unmistakable but delicate – and freshening – hit of citrus.
Recommended Use: You can of course drink it neat (and if you do, best to take it slightly chilled). But you can also serve it in a wine glass and add an ice cube for a drink that works wonderfully well as both an aperitif and an after-dinner sipper.
ABV: 43%, with no added colors and non-chill filtered.
Fun Fact: Hedonism has always featured the image of a woman on the bottle, and this one is no exception. The alluring image is the handiwork of the renowned artist Stephanie Row, a Scottish neo-realist who has exhibited in London and Barcelona, and who has been lauded for her ability to capture the female form with sensual grace and delicacy.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source direct, so rest assured: your spirit will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure your order today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with spirits estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Spring 2024. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, IL, MI, MO, NC, NM, NY, TN, VA, & WA. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Sunday, February 4, 2024.
