Everything In Moderation Including Moderation

Compass Box celebrated its 15th birthday a few weeks ago by releasing a new expression for its 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 distinguished them from other independent bottlers at a time when grain whisky wasn’t widely consumed.

Known for making bold and unconventional moves, Compass Box has never shied away from controversy. They had to withdraw the first edition of Spice Tree due to complaints from the SWA, and John Glaser famously hammered home the corks on The Last Vatted Malt at the stroke of midnight before new laws prohibited the use of the word "vatted" on whisky labels.

Now, Compass Box has gone back to its roots with the new Hedonism release, aptly named Quindecimus, meaning "15" in Latin. This splendid blended grain whisky marks the company’s 15th anniversary and continues their tradition of unique whisky names. They’ve also broken industry norms by releasing the full recipe for the blend:

• 17.6% - 20-year-old North British, first-fill American standard barrels
• 36.6% - 25-year-old Port Dundas, rejuvenated hogshead
• 8.4% - 28-year-old Bumbarton, American standard barrels
• 19.4% - 20-year-old Port Dundas, first-fill American standard barrels
• 18% - 32-year-old Loch Lomond mystery blended grain, American standard barrels
  

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Though the whisky itself carries no official age statement, the individual components in the blend have matured extensively in the barrel. The most intriguing whisky in the mix is the 32-year-old Loch Lomond blend—its origins are unknown, as the liquid was discovered after spending three decades in storage. Adding to its desirability, nearly two-thirds of the distilleries involved in this blend have since closed.

In line with the Hedonism name, Compass Box wants you to enjoy this whisky however you please—at any time and in whatever quantity suits your mood! Their philosophy is best summed up by Oscar Wilde’s famous words: "Everything in moderation, including moderation itself!"

Hedonism Quindecimus Compass Box

Nose: A rich bouquet featuring vanilla, citrus, and fruit—possibly sultanas—along with hints of spice and nutmeg.

Palate: A full-bodied dram with caramel, chocolate, cinnamon, and pepper, complemented by an underlying herbal note and cardamom.

Finish: Pleasantly long, with lingering spice and layers of fruit and caramel gradually emerging.