Hazelburn 2006/2022 15 Year Old
Rich, Dried Fruits2024-04-23
Smell
The whisky immediately unleashes a complex palette of flavours. A decent dollop of dirt and leather imparts a rustic feel that is balanced by sweet caramel fudge and sticky tobacco. Notes of red fruits, especially strawberries, mingle with a hint of dates. Dried tomatoes play along. A subtle scent of RTN chocolate is perceptible, but remains very much in the background.
Taste
In the mouth, the Hazelburn is oily and full-bodied, emphasising its maturity and quality. Notes of leather and sulphur (not too much!) add an interesting depth, while surprising sweet nuances of chilli chocolate and a handful of bacon cubes enhance the flavour experience. No - we didn't add any cola here, but we can definitely taste cola.
Finish
The finish of this 15-year-old matured Scotch is medium-long, yet intense. It is extremely spicy with dominant tobacco notes and a resurgence of sultanas. The presence of wood notes lingers.
Thoughts
The effects of the cask are clearly noticeable in this whisky and give it a remarkable depth. Less sweet and more tart, it shows the serious side of Oloroso casks. It is right on the edge of intensity - after all, it is a fully matured whisky. Nevertheless, it has everything we would expect from a Cambeltown malt.