Hollywood star Karen Gillan, famed for her roles in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and the *Jumanji* franchise, is celebrating her Scottish heritage by becoming the muse for Compass Box Whisky’s limited edition Hedonism 2026. The Inverness-born actress features in a new artwork by renowned artist Emma Hack, gracing the label of just 13,126 bottles of the pioneering blended grain Scotch whisky, which will be available for pre-order from 24 February 2026.

A Highland Homecoming

Despite her global career, which often sees her shuttling between Los Angeles and Hawaii, Karen Gillan has always maintained a deep connection to her Scottish origins. She grew up in Inverness, nestled in the Scottish Highlands, a place she fondly remembers as "completely idyllic in every way." Her childhood memories, she says, resemble postcards, filled with the freedom of roaming unsupervised with friends in beautiful surroundings. She didn't fully appreciate how rare that safety and beauty were until she'd travelled more.

Gillan went from being a working class kid in Inverness to becoming one of Scotland's biggest Hollywood stars. The woman has championed independent film and female-led storytelling throughout her career, which includes iconic roles in *Doctor Who*, *Guardians of the Galaxy*, *Avengers*, and *Jumanji*. So when Compass Box approached her about this Scottish whisky project, she jumped at the chance to honour her roots.

For Gillan, the chance to partner with a Scottish whisky brand felt inherently personal. She said that "sharing whisky and stories are some of the best times of my life," adding that there's "no wilder sensation than seeing yourself on a whisky bottle." Her national identity remains a powerful force, with the people of Scotland being what she loves most about her homeland, describing it as a "brilliant nationality to be."

A Pioneering Spirit in Whisky

Hedonism made waves in the drinks industry when it launched in 2000 - it was the first Scotch whisky to put a woman front and centre on the label.

When it first launched in 2000, Hedonism made history by being the first Scotch whisky to prominently feature a woman at the centre of its label. This was a bold move for a spirit traditionally associated with a male-dominated image, challenging perceptions from the outset.

In 2023, Compass Box switched things up and made Hedonism an annual limited release. Each year now, they work with a different female artist to reimagine the Hedonism woman in her own style. It's a smart move that keeps the brand fresh while celebrating women artists.

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Gillan's the 2026 muse, keeping that tradition alive. The result blends Scottish heritage, contemporary art, and a celebrated whisky into what could be one of the most iconic bottles in the category. The project not only celebrates Gillan's personal connection to Scotland but also reinforces the brand's pioneering stance on representation and artistic collaboration.

The Art of the Blend

The visual identity of Hedonism 2026 is central to its appeal, with Karen Gillan's image reimagined by internationally renowned artist Emma Hack. Hack, celebrated for her distinctive fusion of body art, collage, and photography, gained global recognition for her work on Gotye’s 'Somebody That I Used to Know' music video, one of the most viewed music videos of all time. Her work brings a fresh, layered perspective to the bottle design.

Hack wanted to capture the power, beauty, and strength in the design. Gillan's at the centre of the artwork, which celebrates grace, strength, and individuality - just like what Hedonism's been doing since 2000. It's a collaboration that brings together whiskymaking and visual art into one cohesive story.

For Gillan, the whole thing felt deeply personal. Being a muse for the whisky and part of its story really resonated with her. It gave her a chance to celebrate her Scottish roots in a way that felt authentic to who she is.

Crafting the 2026 Edition

Behind the striking artwork lies the carefully crafted Hedonism 2026 whisky, overseen by Compass Box’s Creative Director of Whiskymaking, Angela D’Orazio. This year's edition uses some of the oldest components Compass Box has ever put into Hedonism. D’Orazio noted that the 2026 release is "unmistakably Hedonism," but promises a "richer, darker and more intense" profile than previous editions.

The blend includes a 30-year-old from Strathclyde Distillery - that's the oldest component they've ever used. They've also added whiskies aged 20-24 years from Port Dundas and Cameronbridge. Mixed with historic grain parcels, these create the silky texture and layered sweetness Hedonism's known for.

This is also the first time Compass Box has added a sherry component to Hedonism. It brings new flavour notes - cherry and raisins - to the whisky. On the nose you get clove-spiced fruitcake, dates, and toffee - warm and rich. The palate's got coffee and cocoa notes with a soft, lingering finish.

Only a limited number of bottles, precisely 13,126, will be released worldwide. Each 700ml bottle is presented at 46% ABV and will carry a recommended retail price of £90. While available for pre-order from 24 February 2026, the Hedonism 2026 edition is scheduled to hit shelves from 1 March, offering enthusiasts a chance to experience this unique blend of artistry and distinguished whiskymaking.

Angela D’Orazio expressed her enthusiasm for the project, stating that "working with Emma and Karen to bring the label to life was a fantastic experience." She observed how "different forms of artistry blending together" and the whiskymaking process mirrored the artistic collaboration, highlighting Karen Gillan as the true embodiment of "the Hedonism woman brought to life."

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Gillan is also slated to return to her homeland for the remake of *Highlander*, where she will star alongside Henry Cavill and Russell Crowe, an opportunity she anticipates will be another significant homecoming.

This article was created with AI assistance.