Compass Box Ends Hedonism Series With 2026 Edition
The 2026 release will be the final annual edition of the Hedonism whisky series, which launched as Compass Box's first expression in 2000.
Updated on Nov. 5, 2026 in Sex Life
Compass Box has announced that the 2026 edition of Hedonism will be the last release in its annual series. The 2026 bottling features Scottish actor Karen Gillan as its muse, illustrated by artist Emma Hack.
Why it matters
Hedonism is credited with reinventing the grain whisky category as the first permanent blended grain whisky on the market. Its conclusion marks the end of a long-running expression for the brand and comes as Compass Box streamlines its portfolio.
The 2026 release totaled 13,218 bottles, and Hedonism has featured more than 17 grain whisky blends across its expressions. The source does not specify the reasons the series is ending.
The players
Compass Box
A Scotch whisky company that created the Hedonism expression and launched it as its first product in 2000.
John Glaser
The founder of Compass Box who created the Hedonism expression.
Karen Gillan
A Scottish actor serving as the muse for the 2026 Hedonism edition.
The details
Compass Box discontinued Hedonism as a core range expression in late 2023 and made it a limited annual release in 2024. Remaining 2026 bottles are sold through Master of Malt in the United Kingdom and through the company website and retailers in the United States.
Timeline
2000: Hedonism debuts as Compass Box's first expression.
Late 2023: Compass Box announces it will discontinue the core range Hedonism expression.
February 2024: The first annual Hedonism edition is released with artwork by Stephanie Rew.
2026: The final Hedonism edition is announced with Karen Gillan as muse.
Portfolio Shift
Hedonism's end follows Compass Box's 2024 revamp that cut its core range to four expressions: Orchard House, The Peat Monster, Nectarosity, and Crimson Casks. Diageo has also paused its Special Releases, which have formed part of its portfolio since 2001.
Consumers who want to buy the final Hedonism bottles will need to act while stock lasts, as the 2026 edition is the last in the series. Remaining bottles are available through Master of Malt in the United Kingdom and through the company website and retailers in the United States.
The takeaway
The end of Hedonism signals a shift in how Compass Box is organizing its whisky lineup, with its newer core expressions and Orchard House now leading the portfolio. Readers interested in the brand's current offerings can compare the four core expressions to see how the range has changed.
Further reading
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Source note: This article includes information reported by The Spirits Business.
