Compass Box Whisky Announces Second Limited Annual Edition of Hedonism

26 Feb

Scotch Whiskymakers, Compass Box have unveiled the second limited annual release of Hedonism, adorned with bespoke artwork by Argentinian artist Sofia Bonati. .

With this release, Compass Box continues the tradition of collaborating with female artists to reimagine the original Hedonism woman.

Released in 2000, Hedonism was the first ever whisky to feature a female form on the label and in 2024 Hedonism became a limited annual release, marking the start of a new chapter for one of Compass Box’s most iconic whiskies.

The collaborative series invites a different female artist each year to reimagine the grace and strength of the original Hedonism woman for the label design. For the 2025 release, Sofia Bonati has created a mesmerising visual art that draws inspiration from the magnetic fields that are integral to the workings of a compass and marries it with her speciality of creating captivating female portraits. Inspired by nature’s vivid colours, intricate patterns, and rich details, Bonati has reimagined Hedonism in a truly unique and captivating way.

This exceptional blend presents a complex flavour profile with a sweet wave of caramel that gives way to a heart of pure peach puree, cocoa and pear. Indulgent Chocolate mousse joins the palate with nutmeg-inflected custard. Concluding with a fruity finish of white grape, Fuji apple and vanilla. Hedonism pairs perfectly with parmesan as always or indulge with some Pastel de Nata or dried fruit such as apricots, or take it to sweet heaven with salted caramel pots de crème.

The first annual release of Hedonism in 2024 saw award-winning Scottish artist Stephanie Rew inspired by female empowerment to reimagine the Hedonism woman with traditional Early Renaissance gilding techniques combined with a contemporary painting style. The journey continues with Sofia’s unique touch bringing the Hedonism heroine to life once again.

Setting the scene for a bold 2025, the new Hedonism takes on greater power and velvet at 46% ABV, featuring single grain from the Cameronbridge Distillery, further matured for 2 years in a first-fill Marsala barrique for added red fruit and sweet notes.

Whiskymaking Director, James Saxon, said of the 2025 release,

"One of the exciting things about Hedonism becoming a Limited Annual Release is that we not only get to collaborate with a different artist each year to put a new stamp on the label, but it also gives us the opportunity to explore a twist on the whisky itself. The 2025 release is unmistakably Hedonism in style and texture, but with the addition of one ex-Marsala barrique and some casks of previous batches, we push the flavours into new territories."

Assistant Whiskymaker, Michael Stephenson, comments,

"The way that Sofia has captured the essence of the original Hedonism woman in her own style is incredible. She represented the unique elements of this editions' recipe and taste profile through colour that really draws the eye. I can't wait to see this out in the world and for people to taste it."

Hedonism is a cult classic amongst whisky fans and has won numerous awards since its original release in 2000.

With each annual release, Compass Box takes the story of Hedonism to the next level, creating a whisky that not only furthers its lore but remains true to its core values as a boundary-pushing whisky for the ages.

Specs:

46% ABV
RRP £85
Available from 17th February
9,912 bottles available

About Compass Box:

We are Scotch whiskymakers. The word ‘whiskymaker’ is our word – it does not appear in a dictionary. For over 20 years we have been relentlessly focused on reinventing Scotch whisky, with every new blend designed to help make the world of whisky a more interesting place. We have not done it alone and have collaborated with some of the world’s most visionary bartenders and designers to really push the boundaries of what is possible.

We are always experimenting, always looking for sparks of creativity that will deliver something totally compelling, yet completely surprising. This vision motivates us whiskymakers.

About Sofia Bonati:

Sofia Bonati was born in 1982 in Buenos Aires, Argentina into a family of artists. She started her career in 2013, engaging in private and editorial commissions while developing her style and identity. Her art includes captivating

female portraits, inviting viewers into a surreal world where the woman and their surroundings intertwine and connect. Currently living and working in Abingdon, England, Bonati’s works appear in books, magazine articles and ads; her clients include Penguin Random House, McMillan and Mondadori Libri.