Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s 2026 Hedonism release.
A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international celebrities.
“To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me. 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,” says the star.
Launched in 2000, this blended grain Scotch whisky has become an annual tradition, with Compass Box commissioning a different female artist each year to reinterpret the original Hedonism woman.
Artist Emma Hack, best known for her visually arresting body art and her work on Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ music video, is responsible for the striking art that adorns this year’s release.
With Gillan centre stage, the concept takes on a distinctly modern, celebrity-led edge.
With Gillan at the centre of the artwork, the concept takes on a distinctly modern, celebrity-led edge…
Hedonism 2026: whisky and maturation
For 2026, Compass Box’s Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D’Orazio, has drawn on some of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism.
The blend includes a 30-year-old grain whisky from Strathclyde Distillery, alongside whiskies aged between 20 and 24 years from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge Distillery, as well as historic blended grain parcels.
For the first time, a sherry-matured component has been introduced, adding a new layer of flavour to the profile. This contributes notes of cherry and raisins, complementing a nose described as warm and rich, with clove-spiced fruitcake, dates and toffee. On the palate, the whisky develops into coffee and cocoa-infused cream, before a soft, lingering finish.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Compass Box Hedonism 2026 has an outturn of 13,126 bottles. It is available from Master of Malt, priced at £89.95.
Pictures courtesy Josh Shinner Delightful Media for Compass Box.
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
Actor Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box, gracing the label art for the company’s 2026 Hedonism release.
A fan favourite in blockbuster franchises such as Doctor Who (Amy Pond), Guardians of the Galaxy (Nebula) and Jumanji (Ruby Roundhouse), Gillan has become one of Scotland’s most recognisable international celebrities.
“To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me. 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,” says the star.
Launched in 2000, this blended grain Scotch whisky has become an annual tradition, with Compass Box commissioning a different female artist each year to reinterpret the original Hedonism woman.
Artist Emma Hack, best known for her visually arresting body art and her work on Gotye’s ‘Somebody That I Used to Know’ music video, is responsible for the striking art that adorns this year’s release.
With Gillan centre stage, the concept takes on a distinctly modern, celebrity-led edge.
Hedonism 2026: whisky and maturation
For 2026, Compass Box’s Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D’Orazio, has drawn on some of the oldest components ever used in Hedonism.
The blend includes a 30-year-old grain whisky from Strathclyde Distillery, alongside whiskies aged between 20 and 24 years from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge Distillery, as well as historic blended grain parcels.
For the first time, a sherry-matured component has been introduced, adding a new layer of flavour to the profile. This contributes notes of cherry and raisins, complementing a nose described as warm and rich, with clove-spiced fruitcake, dates and toffee. On the palate, the whisky develops into coffee and cocoa-infused cream, before a soft, lingering finish.
Bottled at 46% ABV, Compass Box Hedonism 2026 has an outturn of 13,126 bottles. It is available from Master of Malt, priced at £89.95.
Pictures courtesy Josh Shinner Delightful Media for Compass Box.
The Macallan Carta Nautica Collection charts a new course for Scotch whisky icon, led by a 38 Year Old
The Macallan has just announced the Carta Nautica Collection, a new four-bottle series of single malt whiskies. As befits its Spanish moniker, Carta Nautica follows the journey of oak from North America to Jerez de la Frontera in Spain and onwards to Scotland. The collection draws on casks that have held bourbon and sherry, with…
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Ah, brunch. Breakfast’s more sociable cousin, the only acceptable way to order a cocktail before noon: there’s no doubt in our mind that it’s the most important meal of the day. And you can forget eggs and coffee – London’s best spots make a strong case for dedicating the whole afternoon to our favourite event…
Indri celebrates Diwali with a Ruby Port Cask Indian Single Malt rich in fruit, honey and spice
Indian whisky producer Indri has launched its Diwali Collector’s Edition 2026, a cask-strength single malt matured in Portuguese Ruby Port casks, with just 180 individually numbered bottles allocated to the UK. Bottled at 58.5% ABV, the new expression combines ripe red and dark fruit character with honey, nuts and warming spice. Produced by Piccadily Agro…
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