Compass Box Hedonism

Compass Box Hedonism is a blended grain Scotch from Compass Box, marrying grain whiskies from more than one distillery. Blended grain is a rare category, built to show the soft, sweet, creamy side of grain rather than the punch of malt. Closed grain distilleries like Port Dundas lend rarity and depth to a blend like this.

Grain is distilled continuously in column stills rather than batch pot stills, giving a light, clean spirit that matures quickly and sweetly. It was matured in a first fill ex-Bourbon cask, the refill wood letting the spirit's sweetness show. Filled at around sixty eight percent, the spirit slowly drew colour and sweetness from the wood. Marrying several grain whiskies lets the maker build a rounder, more layered profile than one cask could give.

Bottled at 43%, it is gentle. A clear vanilla rises from the lignin, coconut follows from the lactones, and caramelised sugars a toffee and creme brulee note, above the gentle grain sweetness beneath. Soft orchard fruit sits behind the dessert sweetness. The finish runs long, creamy and gently spiced. A polished, sweet style of Scotch that wears its grain character with pride.