In the Spirit Spotlight Series, I’ll be sharing the need to know details on drams I’ve recently crossed paths with, whether it’s a new release or special offering, or I’m going back to revisit a classic.
Here, let’s take a look at the new limited edition release from Compass Box, Hedonism Quindecimus, made to honor their 15th anniversary while harking back to the original Hedonism blended grain whisky.
Compass Box lays it all out for you in terms of what’s going into this particular blended grain Scotch…
- The biggest component, 36.6% of the blend, is 25-year-old spirit from Port Dundas aged in rejuvenated hogsheads.
- That’s followed by 19.4% from a 20-year-old Port Dundas aged in a first fill American barrel;
- 18% of a mystery 32-year-old blend sourced from Loch Lomond aged in an American barrel;
- 17.6% of a 20-year-old North British in a first fill American barrel;
- and finally, 8.4% of a 28-year-old Dumbarton, aged in an Amercian barrel.
Bottled at 46% ABV, and non-chill filtered.
My notes:
Hedonism Quindecimus has a big nose, with floral and herbal notes, tropical fruits, and grain. On the palate, it’s spicy and very complex… there’s a ton going on here, with a creamy, velvety mouthfeel. Expect a long warming finish, with a deep richness of dark red fruits and caramel closing out.
Add water and an already vibrant nose explodes. Find new notes of pineapple and banana, and an overall lighter, smoother and sweeter sip on the palate. Here, find caramel, vanilla, oak and pepper on the finish.
This is the type of fun, unique offering that Compass Box is known for, and it’s a fitting testament to their now 15-year track record. At a recommended price of $175 for a 750 ml bottle, it’s not cheap, but it’s a highly impressive offering.
