Compass Box Hedonism Felicitas 20th Anniversary Edition Blended Scotch Whisky

let’s begin

Compass Box are a pioneering bottler and it is only fitting that they celebrate their 20^th anniversary in a big way.

Pushing boundaries

Compass Box is a brand that was born to be innovative. When John Glaser took a look at the Scotch industry in 2000 he saw too many distilleries doing the same old thing. Glaser worked in the industry and was aware of a kind of stagnation that was taking over the industry.

As such, he got his thinking cap out and came up with Compass Box, a brand that truly pushes how we think about whisky. The company is modelled on the blending houses of old. These were a tradition in Scotland for decades but eventual died out when single malts and distilleries took over making their own blends.

The idea of a blending house is a brand that creates its own blends from whisky they buy direct from distilleries and Compass Box are the perfect modern example. Not only do they create awesome blends, but they also challenge perceptions and experiment to come up with new ways of doing things.

Compass Box Hedonism Felicitas Blended Whisky

The Hedonism blend is one of Compass Box’s signature expressions. As well as being one of their most popular releases it was also one of their first, way back in 2000 when they started. Hedonism has also had multiple iterations over the years. It’s almost tradition for Compass Box to release a new version of Hedonism when they are celebrating something.

So far we’ve seen, Hedonism (the original), Hedonism Muse, Hedonism Quindecimus, Hedonism 10^th Anniversary, and both Hedonism Maximus 2008 & 2007. And now we have Hedonism Felicitas. This is quite a blend as well.

The recipe includes whisky that was distilled in 2001 at Port Dundas as well as some that was distilled in the 1980s at Strathclyde. It also includes whisky from the North British Distillery, which is very rare.

Tasting notes for Hedonism Felicitas Blended Scotch Whisky

The nose begins with notes of exotic fruits, oak wood and sweet vanilla. It is very rich and smooth, with a fresh feel and a bright aroma. The vanilla and oak blend into each other perfectly.

The palate is soft and gentle, with a honeyed mouth feel and lots of sweetness. Vanilla, almonds, hazelnuts and oak all combine well. There is a crisp green apple and pear note as well, which brings a nice earthy quality to the blend. Caramel and toffee come out as well.

The finish is bold and lingers on apple, caramel and oak wood.

Hedonism Felicitas is a quality blend. Compass Box have chosen an exquisite blend to celebrate an important anniversary and is certainly a marker of how far they’ve come as well as what lies ahead.

Have you tried Compass Box Hedonism? Let us know your thoughts in the comments!

Tags: 20th Anniversary EditionBlended Scotch whiskyCompass BoxHedonism Felicitas

Greg

My name is Greg, and I’m a brand strategy consultant, writer, speaker, host and judge specialising in premium spirits. My mission is to experience, share and inspire with everything great about whisky, whiskey, gin, beer and fine dining through my writing, my brand building and my whisky tastings.