Compass Box Hedonism (2025 Release)

I admit, I have long been a devotee of Hedonism. It was consistently a staple on my shelf. I was utterly dismayed when I discovered that Compass Box would remove Hedonism from their primary offerings and instead make it an annual limited release. But then I sampled the 2024 expression. And that's when I understood that indeed, with each year that passed, there would be an occasion to experience a unique interpretation of one of the world's most exquisite blended whiskys. And now, annually, I will anticipate the yearly Hedonism release. The aroma of this 2025 release is noticeably different from the 2024 release and the original core Hedonism. Immediately apparent are the reduced coconut notes and the absence of toasted grain. The 2024 aroma had some ethanol heat, and that is completely absent in 2025. Instead, what remains is soft, creamy, and sweet. Canned peaches in light syrup, crème brûlée, candied apricots, and wildflower honey. And yes, some coconut, but this time it carries a sweeter coconut macaroon scent, rather than the toasted coconut from 2024. The palate is a stunning combination of effervescence and sweet creaminess. Truly a remarkable whisky. Initial taste begins with sweet and silky caramel chews and crème brûlée. Mid-palate, you get just a subtle hint of tannic, toasted oak that intensifies with each subsequent sip. Then, some dark cocoa powder emerges, opening up to sweet peaches in syrup and juicy pears. Cinnamon creates tingles on your tongue, perfectly synchronized with the pears to almost evoke a fizzy pear soda sensation. The finish reveals some tart green grapes and apples, along with that familiar toasted grain and coconut reminiscent of past core and 2024 Hedonisms. Right at the tail end of the finish is just a touch of vanilla bean. WOW. What a follow-up to the 2024 bottling. In comparison, this is smoother, more dessert-like, but incorporates fruit without overdoing it. Upon reading about this year's blend, it appears the whisky undergoes an additional two years of maturation in first-fill Marsala Barrique. Absolute brilliance, as that decision introduced very soft, sweet, and luscious fruit without overwhelming the recipe. Dare I claim this is my favorite Hedonism to date? Admittedly, I've only had three, but this one excels. It is absolutely stunning and a must-try. While there are still bottles available, go get one. You will not be disappointed. A rare perfect score of 5 from me.

This isn't as sugary as I usually find Hedonism. It's still light, tastes of pear, and is easy to drink, but it's a bit more underwhelming than I expected. Perhaps I need more time with it, but it doesn't seem like there's much happening.

This iteration offers enhanced flavor, body, and alcohol content. I appreciated the prior version for what it was, but the upgrade from that 43% mild/sweet vanilla profile to this deeper, richer, more sherry-forward flavor at 46% makes it the winner in my view.