Review #14: Compass Box Hedonism 2021 C

Back in 2000, John Glaser was working for a large UK distiller when he realized that there was so much that hadn’t yet been explored in the world of Scotch whisky. An American living in London, he decided to do something refreshingly different and bring the joys of Scotch whisky to more people in exciting new ways.

So, he started Compass Box, an inventive company based on the long-lost model of the Scotch whisky blending house, but with a forward-looking approach and an unrelenting desire to create deliciousness.

Originally working from his kitchen, Compass Box has grown over the years and now has two dedicated Blending Rooms in London. They have their own stocks of maturing whiskies in Scotland and a team of over 15 hugely enthusiastic whisky-lovers. Compass Box believes Scotch whisky is one of the world’s great drinks. With more spectrum of flavor and style than any other spirit, it has incredible capacity to delight both newcomers and discerning devotees.

At their best, aged in good quality American oak casks, brimming with vanilla and echoing rich pastry cream on the finish, grain whiskies are amongst the most delicious whiskies in the world. Hedonism will always be lush, soft and creamy but each year we use different whiskies, in different combinations, to achieve this.

The inspiration behind our whisky HEDONISM is just that – pleasure, enjoyment, a celebration of that ideal marriage between distilled spirit and high quality oak maturation.

This is my very first Compass Box in my collection, but it's not the first Compass Box I've tried. During my time co-running the Whiskey Wednesday Club at a previous company, one member was a devout Compass Box fan and was pretty much the only whiskey he brought with him. And I'm definitely not complaining. I was still fairly new to the world of whiskey at the time so honestly it's difficult to remember how much I enjoyed it. But what I do remember there wasn't a single one I didn't like. Most of the bottles he brought seemed special releases, so we all felt super spoiled.

This past weekend we visited our local TotalWine in search for a Redwood Empire Pipe Dream. While browsing I found a few bottles of Compass Box, and only one of the Hedonism. I did recently find an article about it, so I decided to get this alongside the Pipe Dream (review coming later this week!). And I'm going to spoil the tasting notes a wee bit before you get there, but what I really got out of this absolutely delicious whiskey was Birthday Cake from Milkbar.

Nose: As I mentioned above, Birthday Cake is what I get on the nose. But breaking this down, there's a sweetness mixed in with sponge cake, vanilla notes. It's a lovely smell, although the cake is a bit over powering there are some subtle floral notes too, and maybe a bit of strawberry too.

Palate: I never thought a whiskey could be so silky in the mouth, the birthday cake, sponge, vanilla and sweetness continues and stays in the mouth for a long time. Near the end you'll taste a bit of cereal too, like sugary cornflakes in milk.

This is such a fascinating whiskey and one I enjoyed far more than I expected to. I took very small sips hoping to savor each and every one for as long as I could. It's incredibly silky and smooth and covers the entire mouth. And at 43% you don't even need to add water or ice. It's an enjoyable dram and something I can see be a wonderful addition to your after dinner treats.

So do I recommend this? Oh heck yes, if this is within your budget for a bottle I'd suggest you stop reading this and go get a bottle if you haven't had this. Sure it may not be for everyone, but this is something I won't forget anytime soon.