Hazelburn 2006/2022 15 Years
The colour of this whisky is inviting and speaks for its maturity. The 12/2006 - 04/2022 bottling has a quota of 9,000 bottles and is not at all as rare as we are used to from bottles from the Springbank distillery. Nevertheless, the price is - well... Fortunately it has come back a little over the last few months.
Tasting Notes
Nose
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.
Palate
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-years 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
Marcel 83/100
This Hazelburn 2006/2022 demonstrates just how much character a fully matured Campbeltown malt can hold – austere, complex, and with a hint of smoky leather that’s genuinely enjoyable. Despite its intensity, it remains approachable and delivers exactly what you expect from such a whisky: a deep, intriguing aromatic profile that invites you to savour every drop.
Sascha 84/100
The 15-year full maturation in Oloroso casks gives this Hazelburn an impressive structure and balance between austere wood notes and sweet fruity nuances. The clear influence of the cask and the well-rounded spiciness make it a technically convincing example of the Campbeltown style, operating on the edge of intensity without overwhelming the palate.
Value for Money: Fair
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How does the cask maturation influence the flavor of the Hazelburn 2006/2022 15 Years?
The 15-year maturation imparts a complex aroma profile with notes of leather, tobacco, and sweet caramel fudge. The cask aging also contributes spicy wood tones and a pleasant oiliness to the mouthfeel.
Why does the Hazelburn 2006/2022 15 Years taste like cola despite its sharpness?
The combination of sweet flavors such as chili chocolate and bacon bits creates a taste experience reminiscent of cola, even though no additives are used. This sweet-spicy balance is characteristic of this whisky.
What makes the Hazelburn 2006/2022 15 Years special compared to other Springbank releases?
Unlike many rare Springbank bottlings, this release is relatively accessible with 9,000 bottles available. Its high alcohol content of 54.2% and the complex aromatic profile featuring rustic and fruity notes set it apart in terms of flavor.