Everything In Moderation Including Moderation

It was Compass Box's 15th birthday a few weeks ago and the oddball whisky producers released a new expression for their Hedonism range of malts. This was especially fitting as their very first whisky release back in 2000 was the original Hedonism bottling, a boutique blended grain that separated them from other independent bottlers due to the fact grain whisky wasn't a 'thing' people were drinking back then. They have never backed away from making controversial decisions either; they had to withdraw the first edition of Spice Tree due to complaints from the SWA and John Glaser hammered home the corks on The Last Vatted Malt on the stroke of midnight before the new laws prohibiting the use of the word 'vatted' on whisky came into effect. Compass Box have gone back to grass roots with the new Hedonism, the name of which is Quindecimus meaning 15 in Latin, by bringing out a rather splendid blended grain whisky. The name obviously celebrates the 15th anniversary of the company and it follows a long standing tradition of theirs for unusual whisky names. They have also released the full recipe for the blend, another move that defies the normal rules of engagement. It is as follows;
  • 17.6% 20 year old North British first fill American standard barrels
  • 36.6% 25 year old Port Dundas from rejuvenated hogshead
  • 8.4% 28 year old Bumbarton from American standard barrels
  • 19.4% 20 year old Port Dundas from first fill American standard barrels
  • 18% 32 year old Loch Lomond mystery blended grain ffrom American standard barrels
The whisky itself carries no age statement but as you can see, the individual drams that make up the blend have seen plenty of years in the barrel. The most interesting whisky from the above is the 32 year old Loch Lomond blend; no one apparently knows what whisky was blended together, but the resultant liquid was discovered after spending 32 years in the barrel store! You will also notice that about two thirds of these distilleries are closed, so that adds a little bit of desirability in my opinion. The guys at Compass Box want you to enjoy this whisky in line with the Hedonism name; drink when you like and in any quantity you so desire! They look to Oscar Wild with one of his many pearls of wisdom to some up the expression; "Everything in moderation, including moderation itself!"

Hedonism Quindecimus Compass Box

Nose: A plethora of scents are apparent; vanilla, citrus and fruit, possibly sultanas. Also some spice and nutmeg.

Palate: A rich and spicy dram with caramel, chocolate, cinnamon and pepper. There is also a slight herborial taste that is underlying along with cardamom.

Finish: Pleasantly long with continued spice with the underlying flavours persisting. Gradually works back to fruit and caramel.