Hazelburn 13 Year Old Review

Distilled & Bottled by Springbank (J&A Mitchell)

Region: Campbeltown

Type: Single Malt

ABV: 50.3%

Age: 13 yr

Color: Burgundy

“My whisky smells of many leather bound books & rich mahogany.”

-Ron Burgundy, probably

Barreled in 2007, this triple-distilled whisky spent 13 years in Oloroso Sherry casks before being bottled in 2020 at cask strength. There is no chill filtration or added coloring

Tasting Notes

Nose: Sweet with rich Sherry influences like fig and scads of raisin. Aromas of nutmeg, cinnamon and toasted hazelnuts mingle with cooked red fruits and a touch of oiled leather.

Palate: Viscous and warm with fruity sweetness initially, then transitioning to roasted barley, charred oak and a generic baking spice note.

Finish: Nice length with notes of malt, leather and wood spice. The finish also sees a return of the red fruit and hazelnut from the nose.

Rating: 8/10

Conclusion: Delicious and decadent, this whisky has a lot of depth and a nice balance of sweet and spicy notes. For me the transition from a sweeter nose to a drier/spicier finish works really well and keeps the pour interesting. This is an excellent whisky that might lead you to debate buying a smoking jacket and joining a country club.