The first EVER blend of grain whiskies. From maverick whisky makers, Compass Box.
Made in small batches we drank batch MMXIV-B which, it says, rattled off the production line at 16:25 on 09/07/2014.

http://www.compassboxwhisky.com/hedonism.php

Cost: around £50
70cl/ 43%

Tasting Notes*

Nose: From that first, delectable, introduction Hedonism is all ripe fruit, fraises des bois and sponge cake. Some red pepper provides an interesting point to mull. Fresh, lightly fruity. A hint of charcoal. Vanilla and coconut. Soft and creamy but with good intensity. Ripe, elegant and lush with wild strawberry, Milky Bar and Butterkist popcorn… Sexy.

Palate: Very sensual, disarmingly sleek and creamy. Sweet spices, some cereal notes. Polenta-like. velvety smooth, appetising. Soft, silky and chewy, with a spicy lift and touch of ripe cherry. Toasted coconut. liquorice and marzipan.

Finish: Very warm and spiced, toasty, some oak and milk chocolate. A hint of lemon. Fragrant. Custard tart. The chocolate comes back with some mint and cream. Spice and coconut linger satisfyingly and hold together well.

*Tasting notes from Master of Malt and Whisky Mag and Ian Buxton’s “101 Whiskies to Try Before You Die”

Packaging

Quite elegant. Cork stopper.

Verdict

For an iconoclastic slayer of sacred cows this was, maybe, a wee bit tame. Smooth and luxurious, it is a dram to savour rather than devour.