Compass Box has unveiled Scottish actor Karen Gillan as the muse for its 2026 Hedonism limited edition Scotch whisky, with artwork created by internationally renowned artist Emma Hack. The Guardians of the Galaxy and Doctor Who star, born in Inverness, becomes the latest female figure to grace the label of the blended grain whisky.
Hedonism made history in 2000 as the first Scotch whisky to feature a woman at the center of its label.
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In 2023, Compass Box transformed Hedonism into a limited annual release, collaborating with different female artists each year to reimagine the original Hedonism woman.
“To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me,” said Gillan. “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.”
Emma Hack, best known for her work on Gotye’s “Somebody That I Used to Know” music video, has created the artwork using her signature fusion of body art, collage, and photography.
“Hedonism means to me the power, the beauty, the goddess, the strength within, and that’s what I really wanted to capture,” said Hack.
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The 2026 edition features some of the oldest components in Hedonism’s history, including a 30-year-old whisky from Strathclyde Distillery.
Creative Director of Whiskymaking Angela D’Orazio assembled whiskies aged 20 to 24 years from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge distilleries, alongside historic blended grain parcels.
A new sherry component adds notes of cherry and raisins to the blend.
“The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year’s expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions,” said D’Orazio. “Working with Emma and Karen to bring the label to life was a fantastic experience.”
Hedonism revolutionized the whisky industry as the world’s first blended grain Scotch when it launched in 2000.
The expression transformed perceptions of grain whisky with its silky texture and layered sweetness.
Compass Box Hedonism 2026 will be available for pre-order at Master of Malt on February 24, with general release from March 1, 2026, priced at £90 for a 70cl bottle at 46% ABV.
