Marvel film star returns to her Scottish roots
HOLLYWOOD movie star Karen Gillan has been unveiled as The Muse for Scotch whiskymaker Compass Box‘s new limited edition launch, Hedonism.
The Scottish actress, known for her role as Nebula in Marvel’s Avengers and Guardians of the Galaxy franchises, features across bottles of the 2026 Edition of Hedonism in a new design from internationally renowned artist Emma Hack.
First launched in 2000, Compass Box’s Hedonism range made history when it first hit shelves as the first Scotch whisky brand to feature a woman at the centre of its label. This creative decision was then taken a step further in 2023 when the whisky became an annual release and would feature a different female artist each year.
Speaking on the latest launch for the range, Karen Gillan said: “To be considered a muse for this whisky and to be a part of its story is deeply personal to me.
“Sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life. There’s no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle.”
For the 2026 Edition, Compass Box’s creative director of whiskymaking Angela D’Orazio included some of the oldest components ever used in the Hedonism range to date, including a 30 year old from Strathclyde Distillery. The recipe also blends in whiskies ranging from 20 to 24 years olds from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge Distillery, alongside some historic blended grain parcels.
In addition to the flavours imparted from the whiskies, there is a new sherry component to be found with notes of cherry and raisins.
Tasting notes for the whisky have been described as a warm, rich and inviting scent on the nose with clove-spiced fruitcake, dates and toffees. The palate offers a coffee and cocoa-infused cream with a soft finish that lingers long after.
Compass Box’s Hedonism 2026 will be available on shelves from 1 March with an RRP of £90. Each whisky comes bottled at 46% ABV in a 700ml bottle, with only 13,126 bottles available worldwide.
D’Orazio said: “The 2026 release is unmistakably Hedonism, but this year’s expression is richer, darker and more intense than previous editions, it is also the first time we have used an old sherry component in Hedonism, which brings a new flavor perspective to our original and most iconic whisky.
“Working with Emma and Karen to bring the label to life was a fantastic experience – seeing the different forms of artistry blending together and our whiskymaking process mirroring art. Karen as our Muse truly is the Hedonism woman brought to life.”
