Hazelburn 15 Year Oloroso Cask Matured

Probably the least sought-after of the three Springbank brands, Hazelburn still outshines most Scottish single malts. Rich notes of blackberry jam, chocolate cookies and pipe tobacco ascent from the glass, rounded off by plums, mild pepper and cloves. Intense and spicy in the arrival, the palate mellows with stewed fruits, spearmint and a touch of salt. Mineral, earthy and citric notes creep in. Measured oak, roasted coffee and blood oranges migrate into the lasting and slightly dry aftertaste. A beautiful sherry bomb from Scotland's most iconic distillery. RATING: 4.2/5.0 stars ≙ 89 pts → FIRST-CLASS [+]

2023 version - 55.8%

Blown away by this, more awesome than expected. Dry, deep, sherry, oak, chocolate, insanely wonderful. Rich and long. (2023)

Nose- malt, sherry, spice a hint of chocolate Taste- effervescent, wow in your mouth, very spicy, medium sherry bomb. Medium spicy sherry finish. This is a good one.

Nose: strawberry or cherry followed by a slight Springbank signature funkiness. Vanilla cream comes in. Musty oak. Most prominent is the sherry. The palate has a little more sizzle than I expected. Lots of sherry here, but there's a solid backbone of maltyness underneath. Vibrant red fruit, a little nuttiness. There's a subtle effervescence and makes me think of strawberry soda. Some dark chocolate, cinnamon, leather, and tobacco show up going into the finish. Off the top of my head, the closest comps that I've tried would be Springbank 15, Tamdhu Batch Strength, and Macallan Classic Cut. I'd say this bests all of them, which puts this at another 4.5 for me. Big thank you to @pkingmartin for sharing a pour of this one!