Compass Box has returns to Hedonism thrice… this time with a stellar twist. The brand’s third annual release features Guardians of the Galaxy star Karen Gillan as its muse.
For this 92 proof release, Angela D’Orazio, Compass Box’s Creative Director of Whiskymaking, drew on 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. For the first time in Hedonism’s history, the recipe also incorporates mature sherry cask whisky.
For expression, which is the oldest and rarest Hedonism to date, Compass Box selected acclaimed Australian artist Emma Hack to reimagine the Hedonism Muse. Hack is celebrated for her body art, photography, and immersive fine art installations, and is best known for her work on musician Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” music video. With Gillan, an actress, director and proud Scot serving as the Muse, Hack transformed the human form into canvas, using gilding, paint and photography to create a layered, immersive portrait that fuses body, pattern and mythology into a singular visual language.
“Hedonism means to me the power, the beauty, the goddess, the strength within, and that’s what I really wanted to capture,” said artist Emma Hack. “Karen is perfect for the character of our Muse.”
Female influence has always been part of Hedonism’s story. As the 2026 Muse, Gillan embodies the grace, strength and independence that define the Hedonism woman. A lifelong whisky lover with roots in Inverness, she brings an authenticity to the role that makes this collab feel meaningful. “Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life,” said Karen Gillan. “There’s no doubt that whiskymaking is an art form, and there’s no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle!”
“The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year’s expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions,” added D’Orazio. “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.”
Since becoming an annual limited release in 2023, Compass Box Hedonism has given the brand the freedom to seek out the most aged grain parcels available each year, while continuing the tradition of collaborating with visionary female artists.
Only 13,218 bottles of Compass Box Hedonism Limited Annual Release is available worldwide for $164.99.
