Campbeltown was the capital of Scottish whisky, hosting during the golden age 28 distilleries; nowadays only three are present: Glen Scotia, Glengyle and Springbank.
The last one, as we know, produced 3 different malts: Longrow and Sprinbank have already been discussed, today we try the 12 yo of the Hazelburn brand, which is the unpeated and triple distilled product. This whisky is in production since 1997, and the first 12 yo is from 2009. This one in the glass has a nice amber color.
N: right away we typical Springbank notes; a vague “meatiness” and the spiced wood; afterwards, the citrusy side, always a must of this distillery (lemon zest); now a lot of leather and interesting hints of black olive (in brine). Altogether not exactly a firework show, with a very discreet sweetness, played between cooked fruit (apple and prunes), malty notes and young almond. There is also something herbal (perhaps we’re biased to think about Lowlands due to the triple distillation) and aromatic; dried fruit.
P: total starring is the malt (croissant, rusk), on a palate with a balanced sweetness but without angles, that finds in his citrusy side the most interesting suggestions (orange jam, again lemon zest). Again cooked fruit, some red berries, blueberries, caramel and hazelnut. It closes with ginger and a light pepper.
F: hazelnut, again red fruits; Decisively malty (with some lightly bitter notes) with a very enjoyable freshness. Quite long.
Serge, in his review, insists on the presence of spicy woods, defining this Hazelburn as a very “oriental” whisky. We can’t disagree; very enjoyable, very “composed”, it was really nice to find some of the typical Springbank elements in this triple distilled version: and it all makes sense. Our vote is a nice 85/100.
Recommended soundtrack: Wu-Tang Clan – Reunited.
