Hedonism is dangerous. You can only enjoy so much at one time. That’s why Compass Box Scotch Whisky decided to make its similarly name expression limited annual release last year.
The whisky was also the first ever to feature a female form on the label and so to celebrate this history, each year sees the brand collaborates with a different female artist to reimagine the original Hedonism woman in her own eyes. This year, Hedonism 2025 Limited Annual Release Blended Grain Whisky presents the artistry of Argentinian artist Sofia Bonati.
Featuring single grain from the Cameronbridge distillery, which was further matured for two years in a first-fill Marsala barrique, the new Hedonism Limited Annual Release Blended Grain Scotch Whisky is 92 proof. In addition to Cameronbridge single grains, the recipe features single grain from Girvan Distillery and from past vatted iterations of Hedonism (16 year old and 19 year old).
“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,” says Compass Box Whiskymaking Director, James Saxon. “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 flavors into new territories.”
For the 2025 edition, Bonati, who was born in Argentina, drew inspiration from the magnetic fields that are integral to the workings of a compass and married it with her specialty of creating captivating female portraits. Inspired by nature’s vivid colors, intricate patterns, and rich details, Bonati uses intriguing combinations of materials, layering pencils, watercolor, and acrylic gouache to craft her captivating, dreamlike portraits. Reflecting the grace and power of the original Hedonism woman, Bonati’s figures feel serene and effortlessly in control, each with a strong gaze and radiating a sense of empowerment.
“The way that Sofia has captured the essence of the original Hedonism woman in her own style is incredible,” says Compass Box Assistant Whiskymaker, Michael Stephenson. “She represented the unique elements of this edition’s recipe and taste profile through color that really draws the eye. I can’t wait to see this out in the world and for people to taste it.”
In addition to enlisting Bonati for the 2025 edition, Compass Box enlisted photographer Helen Murray to capture this year’s Hedonism. The London-based photographer’s work has been published in such notable publications as The New York Times, VOGUE, Vanity Fair, The Sunday Times and The Guardian.
9,912 bottles of the Compass Box Hedonism 2025 Limited Annual Release will be available worldwide for $150 beginning March 1.
