This Is a 10-Year-Old Whisky. And Compass Box Can Tell You Exactly What’s in It

A whisky called This Is a 10-Year-Old Whisky might sound like it’s stating the obvious. 

But Compass Box has chosen that name for a reason: every drop in the bottle is exactly ten years old.

The London-based Scotch whiskymaker has combined three single malts for this limited-edition release. 

Clynelish makes up 66.5% of the blend, while peated Ardnamurchan contributes 20.2% and unpeated Ardnamurchan the remaining 13.3%. All three spent their ten years in first-fill bourbon barrels.

Why make such a point of their ages? An age statement on a blended Scotch tells you the age of its youngest whisky. Other components could be older, but the number on the label won’t tell you that. Compass Box’s answer is to share the recipe, including the distilleries, proportions and ages, so drinkers know what they’re buying.

That openness is part of the company’s identity. This release marks ten years since Compass Box began publicly calling for greater transparency about Scotch whisky recipes. It’s a pleasingly straightforward way to celebrate: put the full details out there and let the whisky speak for itself.

As for what might be in your glass, Compass Box describes a light, glossy dram with Clynelish’s waxy character and a touch of smoke from Ardnamurchan. Its tasting notes suggest Pink Lady apples, rhubarb crumble and custard on the nose, followed by lemon-iced biscuits, white chocolate, soft apricots and nutmeg. The finish brings buttery pastry, candied lemon and a hint of charred oak. 

That sounds rather tempting on an autumn evening, although tasting notes are always an invitation to discover what you notice.

The whisky is bottled at 50.5% ABV, without added caramel colouring or chill-filtration. There are just 3,610 individually numbered 70cl bottles worldwide. At the time of writing, The Whisky Exchange lists it at £63.95.

For anyone who enjoys exploring what a blender can do with carefully chosen malts, this offers plenty to talk about alongside the dram. And if a friend asks how old the whiskies inside it really are, you can give them an unusually precise answer.

More: www.compassboxwhisky.com | @compassboxwhiskyco (Instagram).

Be one of 13,126! Compass Box Releases Limited Edition, Hedonism 2026, Its Oldest, Rarest and Most Iconic Yet… and It's Selling Fast

One of whisky's most iconic Limited Editions, Hedonism 2026 is available exclusively via Master of Malt, and experiencing strong early demand.

“It is no exaggeration to call Compass Box Hedonism one of the true great Scotch whiskies of the 21st century. It reframed the discussion around grain whisky at a time when single malt stole the headlines and proved that flavour ultimately always wins.” - Master of Malt.

One of the richest and smoothest expressions to date, Hedonism 2026 is a blended grain whisky crafted with incredibly rare and exquisite aged Scotch whiskies, and matured in some of the finest old sherry casks.

“Old grain stocks are finite. The category remains a relatively small corner of Scotch whisky. But it exists. And it tastes bloody great.” - Master of Malt.

Elegantly layered, expect caffè latte creaminess and butterscotch sweetness, lifted by a light flicker of orange cream. Polished wood sugars, soft nougat, toasted hazelnut and sherried richness.

The oldest, rarest and most iconic yet

For the 2026 limited edition annual release, Compass Box Creative Director of Whiskymaking Angela D'Orazio has included exceptional parcels of whisky aged within sherry barrels - a first for Hedonism. The blend includes some of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism, including a 30-year-old whisky from Strathclyde Distillery, and whiskies aged between 20 and 24 years come from Cameronbridge Distillery and the now-closed Port Dundas Distillery, alongside historic blended grain parcels.

Nishat Gupte, CEO of Compass Box says, “Within a week of pre-sale, Hedonism 2026 has already become our fastest-selling release ever in the UK. We've managed to uncover incredible flavour, thanks to the sourcing of exceptional calibre grain whiskies, masterfully blended with curiosity and precision - and it goes to show that this resonates with whisky lovers.”

This is a liquid with real star quality. Hedonism was the first whisky to feature the image of a woman on its label. This year, actor, director and proud Scot, Karen Gillan steps into the role of the Hedonism Muse, describing the partnership as “deeply personal”.

Female influence has always been part of Hedonism's story. The 2026 edition continues that tradition, created by whiskymaker Angela D'Orazio and reimagined visually by artist Emma Hack.

Karen Gillan says: “Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life. There's no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle.”

Compass Box Hedonism 2026 is now available exclusively through Master of Malt, making it one of the most sought-after whisky releases of the year. With just 13,126 bottles worldwide, the Limited Edition is expected to appeal to collectors, whisky enthusiasts, and luxury gift buyers alike. The perfect gift for the discerning drinker, for Mother's Day, Father's Day, IWD on Sunday, and beyond.

Available now.

https://www.masterofmalt.com/compass-box-hedonism-2026/#the-bottle 

 RRP: £89.95 | ABV: 46% | 70cl

Karen Gillan unveiled as The Muse for Compass Box Whisky's Hedonism 2026

Karen Gillan is today unveiled as The Muse for Scotch Whiskymaker  Compass Box's limited edition Hedonism. 

Gillan is the muse for internationally renowned artist Emma Hack, best known for her work on Gotye's Somebody That I Used to Know - one of the most viewed music videos of all time. 

Hedonism made history when it first launched in 2000, as the first Scotch whisky to place a woman at the centre of its label. 

This bold creative decision went one step further when, in 2023, Hedonism became a Limited Annual Release, and Compass Box began working with a different female artist each year to reimagine the original Hedonism woman in her own eyes. 

The tradition continues now with Karen. 

The Scottish actor and filmmaker known for her roles in Guardians of the Galaxy, Avengers and Jumanji was born in Inverness - the gateway to the Highlands -  she has become one of Scotland's most successful Hollywood exports while continuing to champion independent film and female-led storytelling.

Karen Gillan told That's Food and Drink: “To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me. 

"Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life. There's no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle.”

Acclaimed artist Emma Hack, celebrated for her striking fusion of body art, collage, and photography, has reimagined the original Hedonism woman through a contemporary, layered lens. With Gillan at the centre, the artwork celebrates grace, strength, and individuality.

Artist Emma Hack told us: “Hedonism means to me the power, the beauty, the goddess, the strength within, and that's what I really wanted to capture.”

Behind the artwork sits one of the most influential whiskies of the modern era.

First released in 2000, Hedonism was a revolutionary moment in drinks: the world's first blended grain Scotch whisky. Celebrated for its silky texture, layered sweetness, and remarkable complexity, it transformed perceptions of grain whisky forever. 

As Hedonism rose to global prominence, the rare and mature grain whiskies that defined its style became increasingly scarce. 

In 2023, Compass Box responded by reinventing Hedonism as a Limited Annual Release, using each one to push the conversation around grain whisky forward.. 

For the 2026 edition of Hedonism, Compass Box's Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D'Orazio, included some of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism to date, including a 30-year-old from Strathclyde Distillery; the recipe also includes whiskies ranging from 20 to 24 years old from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge Distillery, alongside some historic Blended Grain Parcels.

In addition, a new sherry component contributes notes of cherry and raisins. The nose is warm, rich and inviting, with clove-spiced fruitcake, dates and toffee. The palate is complex, evoking coffee and cocoa-infused cream. The finish melts softly and lingers.

Angela D'Orazio, Compass Box Creative Director of Whiskymaking said: “The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year's expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions, it is also the first time we have used an old sherry component in Hedonism, which brings a new flavor perspective to our original and most iconic whisky.

"Working with Emma and Karen to bring the label to life was a fantastic experience - seeing the different forms of artistry blending together and our whiskymaking process mirroring art. Karen as our Muse truly is the Hedonism woman brought to life.”

Compass Box's Hedonism 2026 will be available for pre-order at www.masterofmalt.com on the 24th February exclusively, with general release from 1 March 2026 |£90 46% ABV 70cl. Your bottle will be on of 13,126 bottles available worldwide.

Discover more at https://www.compassboxwhisky.com

https://www.instagram.com/compassboxwhiskyco