ContemplativeFox
Compass Box Hedonism
Blended Grain — Scotland
Reviewed
February 16, 2022 (edited May 28, 2022)
Rating: 12/23
I've tried Hedonism before and generally not been impressed. It seemed a bit bland with a sort of bitter oiliness, though it was at least reasonably full and rich.
N: Oh, yes, this is definitely a grain whisky. I get oil with a bit of alcohol burn, slightly dusty oak, faint over-oaking, a touch of lemon, and I want to say just a little coconut and vanilla. It certainly doesn't smell hedonistic.
P: It has less of that youthful burn than most grain whisky. I think that the new American oak barrels might be playing a key role here (also, the low proof).
Sweet at first with some vanilla, oil, lemon, and alcohol burn. Maybe a faint milkiness to it. The flavors aren't very distinct, rich or full. Perhaps I can get a tiny bit of coconut.
F: The harshness disappears, but the sort of oiliness and new American oak linger faintly. Aside from the wood, there; is some vanilla and maybe coconut.
- Conclusion -
I'm shocked by the lack of fullness and richness here. What makes this in any way hedonistic? I've tried it side by side with several other drams that I don't consider to be all that hedonistic, such as Compass Box Artist's Blend (13/23) and Knappogue Castle 12 (115/23) and this is positively watery and burn-y in comparison.
This has more vanilla than Signatory's Caledonian 29 (12/23) and it's less harsh, but there's also less full, almost sort of malty caramel grain flavor.
I wish I could rate this higher, but I don't see it being above a 12 or 13. Between the two, I'm thinking it's most likely a 12.
78.0
USD
per
Bottle
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The recipe for Hedonism has changed significantly over the years. The first batches were comparatively simple blends of old Port Dundas and Cameronbridge, but around six years ago the old stocks began to run out and the blends became more complex with Strathclyde, Dumbarton and North British whiskies featuring. The profile has consequently drifted a fair bit.