Compass Box’s 2026 Hedonism Will Be Its Last

Why is Compass Box retiring Hedonism, the grain whisky that launched the brand? Discover the final 2026 edition and what's next for the Scotch maker.
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Compass Box's 2026 Hedonism Will Be Its Last
Credit: Compass Box

Compass Box, the London-based Scotch whiskymaker, has confirmed that its February 2026 release of Hedonism is the final edition in the annual grain whisky series. The move marks the close of a line that began as the company’s debut bottling and became a benchmark for grain whisky among bartenders, collectors and enthusiasts worldwide.

Hedonism was the first product Compass Box ever released, created to demonstrate the potential of grain whisky by celebrating its sweetness, texture and depth. Over successive editions, the whisky became a reference point for what carefully selected grain whisky can achieve. Each release aimed to show that grain deserves the same attention as malt whisky.

“Hedonism made a simple point beautifully: grain whisky deserves a place at the top table,” said Nishat Gupte, CEO of Compass Box. “It has done that job, and we are proud of everything it means to the people who love it,” he said.

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The 2026 edition is a Blended Grain Scotch Whisky, limited to 13,218 bottles. It is bottled at 46% ABV, without chill-filtration and with natural color. Angela D’Orazio served as lead whiskymaker on the release. A limited number of bottles remain. These are available through Master of Malt and, in the US, via the Compass Box website and select retailers.

“Hedonism 2026 is a fitting last chapter, and we want to thank every bartender, retailer, artist and whisky fan who helped make the series iconic,” Gupte said.

The CEO framed the closure as part of a continued commitment to flavor. “Flavour has always been our north star, and it will guide everything we make from here. We are excited about the road ahead,” he added.

Going forward, the company’s signature Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, Orchard House, will lead its range. Compass Box said the same whiskymaking discipline that defined Hedonism runs through its current portfolio.

Founded in 2000 by John Glaser, Compass Box built its reputation on an unconventional, blending-led approach to Scotch. The brand has long positioned transparency and flavor over age statements, a stance that has at times put it at odds with industry labeling conventions.

Beth Squires

Beth Squires is the Deputy Editor of The Whiskey Wash with over half a decade of industry experience. She possesses comprehensive knowledge of the global whisky landscape, spanning everything from heritage and production to complex market analysis. A graduate of the OurWhisky Foundation’s Atonia Programme, which champions women in whisky, Beth is a dedicated advocate for diversity and sustainability, focused on highlighting the innovation and storytelling that define the modern whisky industry.

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