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.
Smoky Mezcals, regional Raicillas and crisp Tequilas return to London’s South Bank for the second annual Tequila & Mezcal Show. Last year, more than 600 agave enthusiasts brought the buzz, and this year promises to be even more exciting, with over 250 spirits from across Mexico gracing Glazier’s Hall. Running for two sessions on Friday…
A long-standing St Andrews golfing ritual has found a new expression, as Kingsbarns Distillery launches a limited-edition single cask whisky inspired by the famed ‘19th hole’. Developed by Wemyss Family Spirits, the family-owned business behind the distillery, The Dunvegan forms the second instalment in a golf-inspired series, and follows last year’s Caddies’ Dream release. Limited…
Drinks retailer Hackstons has acquired a collection of exceptionally rare American whiskies, bringing together some of the most elusive bourbons and rye whiskeys currently circulating within the global secondary spirits market. The Knightsbridge-based specialist described the acquisition as a “once in a lifetime” grouping of so-called unicorn bottles, with the line-up featuring highly allocated expressions…
The Luxe Review 
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.
Mexican spirits culture celebrated as Tequila & Mezcal Show returns to London
Smoky Mezcals, regional Raicillas and crisp Tequilas return to London’s South Bank for the second annual Tequila & Mezcal Show. Last year, more than 600 agave enthusiasts brought the buzz, and this year promises to be even more exciting, with over 250 spirits from across Mexico gracing Glazier’s Hall. Running for two sessions on Friday…
Kingsbarns Distillery launches limited edition single malt inspired by St Andrews 19th hole
A long-standing St Andrews golfing ritual has found a new expression, as Kingsbarns Distillery launches a limited-edition single cask whisky inspired by the famed ‘19th hole’. Developed by Wemyss Family Spirits, the family-owned business behind the distillery, The Dunvegan forms the second instalment in a golf-inspired series, and follows last year’s Caddies’ Dream release. Limited…
Hackstons acquires rare collection of Unicorn whiskies from Van Winkle, Weller and Buffalo Trace
Drinks retailer Hackstons has acquired a collection of exceptionally rare American whiskies, bringing together some of the most elusive bourbons and rye whiskeys currently circulating within the global secondary spirits market. The Knightsbridge-based specialist described the acquisition as a “once in a lifetime” grouping of so-called unicorn bottles, with the line-up featuring highly allocated expressions…
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