Compass Box Hedonism (2025 Release)

Admittedly, I've been a long time fan of Hedonism. It was always a staple on my shelf. I was absolutely devastated when I learned that Compass Box would pull Hedonism from their core lineup and instead make it an annual release. But then I tried 2024's expression. And that's when I realized that in fact with each passing year, there would be an opportunity to try a unique twist on one of the most beautiful blended whiskys in the world. And now, every year I will look forward to the annual Hedonism release. The nose on this 2025 release is noticeably different from 2024's release and the original core Hedonism. Immediately apparent is the toned down coconut notes and absence of toasted grain. 2024's nose had some ethanol heat on the nose and that is completely gone in 2025. Instead what's left is soft, creamy and sweet. Canned peaches in light syrup, crème brûlée, candied apricots and wildflower honey. And yes, some coconut but this time taking on a sweeter coconut macaroon scent, rather than the toasted coconut of 2024. The palate is a breathtaking combination of effervescence and sweet creaminess. My God what a whisky. Initial taste begins with sweet and silky caramel chews with crème brûlée. Mid palate you get just the slightest hint of tannic, toasted oak that gets more intense with each successive drink. Then, some dark cocoa powder opens up into sweet peaches in syrup and juicy pears. Cinnamon sends tingles through your tongue, timed just right with the pears to almost make a fizzy pear soda feel. The finish brings out some tart green grapes and apples with some of that familiar toasted grain and coconut that reminds me of core and 2024 Hedonisms past. Right at the tail end of the finish is just a bit of vanilla bean. WOW. What a follow up to 2024's bottling. In comparison this is softer, more dessert like but brings in some fruit without overdoing it. In reading about this year's blend, it appears that the whisky is further matured for two years in first fill Marsala Barrique. Absolute genius as that move introduced some very soft, sweet and luscious fruit without overpowering the recipe. Dare I say that this is my favorite Hedonism to date? Albeit I've only had 3, but this takes the cake. Its an absolute stunner and a must try. Whilst there are still bottles in the wild, go pick one up. You won't regret it. A rare perfect 5 from me.

This edition has more flavor, density and ABV. Liked the previous release for what it was, but the move up from that 43% soft/sweet vanilla flavor to this deeper, thicker more sherried flavor - and 46%, gives it the nod in my opinion.