Compass Box Hedonism The Muse

My recent trip to Chicago involved sightseeing and enjoying the pleasant weather. I also visited two excellent whiskey establishments: Delilah's and the Franklin Room. Both were great, though whiskey is the primary similarity between them. The Franklin Room is an underground restaurant and bar featuring dark wood paneling. The staff are knowledgeable about both whiskey and cocktails. Despite its sophisticated ambiance, the prices are reasonable, and whiskeys are offered in various pour sizes, from 1oz to a quarter bottle. Upon arrival, my wife and I took seats at the bar. While she ordered a cocktail, I began reviewing the whiskey selection. Anticipating a lengthy decision-making process, I sought an immediate enjoyable pour to savor while I considered my options. Hedonism the Muse caught my eye. I had never tried the Muse before, but I am a huge fan of the regular Hedonism, which ranks among my top 10 favorites. The Muse did not disappoint. It was rich, sweet, and delightful, with abundant vanilla, some fruitiness, a subtle and pleasant oak note, and just a hint of spice. After just two sips, I decided I needed to purchase a bottle and impulsively reached for my phone. And here's the catch – the price is between $250-$300+. That seems high, especially compared to the regular Hedonism, which I acquired earlier this summer for under $70 through travel retail. I have not yet spent that much on a bottle of whiskey. While I have a good understanding of value for money in the $0-$150 range, I cannot say the same for $250+. For now, I will wait and reflect on what I expect from a $250 whiskey.

** Disclaimer: This review is what I'd call a “Quick Hit” – meaning it won't contain my typical in-depth notes. The reason is that this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. None of these reviews will be scored, and I intend to try them again later to give them a more thorough evaluation. I'm starting here for two reasons: it wasn't on the initial tasting list, and in my opinion, it wasn't very enjoyable. I'm aware that grain whisky, especially young expressions, can often be quite harsh. I've had the standard Hedonism and found it incredibly smooth and surprisingly tasty, though I don't recall much depth. The Muse version, in my view, lacked significant flavor beyond peppery spice and a hint of vanilla. It was also excessively harsh. I'm uncertain if the grain whisky was younger or if the recipe differs from the usual Hedonism. As this was the fifth or sixth sample of the evening, I didn't feel my palate was compromised. Given that bottles of this sell for $250 online, it's a definite pass for me. I'd be open to trying it again, but this was the biggest letdown of Whiskyfest for me.

One of Compass Box's more interesting bottle designs, and I appreciate the clear cases they use for their finer bottles. Nose - There's a significant amount of alcohol on the nose, which is a bit surprising considering less than 25% of this is 21 years or younger (and 20% is 21 years old, so only 3.6% is less than 21 years old). There's a pleasant vanilla note. The sherry notes are present but are accompanied by a lot of alcohol. Adding water reduces the alcohol burn and reveals some floral notes along with green apples. Taste - The mouthfeel is exceptionally creamy. Notes of vanilla, nuts, cream, and some sort of custard are present. It's challenging to describe these vanilla, cream, and nutty notes, especially with the considerable heat still present. More water brings out additional nutty characteristics and an aroma reminiscent of an old antique shop's wood. I've consistently stated my fondness for this, but with some time and experience with more whisky, I must admit this is incredibly unique, quite different, and a must-try for serious whisky enthusiasts. However, at $300 a bottle, it's difficult to recommend wholeheartedly. Thus, a solid score of 3.

92.5/100* *My whiskey ratings are based on a 100-point scale, representing a cumulative score across nose, taste, finish, and balance, with each category worth up to 25 points. This score corresponds to the star rating as follows: 0 stars = 50 or below 1 star = 60 2 stars = 70 3 stars = 80 4 stars = 90 5 stars = 100 The score is adjusted to the nearest 1/4 star increment.

My current experience level doesn't allow me to articulate helpful tasting notes. The aroma reminds me of smelling liquor from a parent's glass as a child and being put off. The act of drinking it feels like entering adulthood, offering a companion experience that shapes one's perspective of the world into something suddenly worthy of admiration.

I have so many regrets about not purchasing a bottle when I had the chance. The nose is rich with creamy vanilla and a biscotti-like body. It fades into graham cracker and vanilla caramel. The brown sugar caramel flavor lingers on the palate for an extended period. I am in bliss.