Professional reviews
Malt Fascination (90)
Hazelburn has come of age. The oldest version out there seems to be 22 years old by now, but this one, released last year, must have been the oldest back then. I feel like an old fart when I say that I remember the first ten year old Hazelburn being released. Maybe because I am an old fart?
This particular edition, to Springbank modus operandi, is a combination of bourbon and sherry casks, the 70% of the casks being the sherry kind. 3600 bottles have been released, so sort-of limited I guess.
Anyway, the proof of the pudding is in the eating, so let’s go!
Sniff:
From a distance it smells rather sweet and gives a whiff of dark chocolate and pastry, but upon closer inspection there are a lot of other things happening. Grain, oak, some pastry still. But also coastal notes and tree bark. On the nose this one is very mature with lots of gentle notes. Some sherry, but not too powerful. Slightly yeasty with a hint of cocoa powder.
Sip:
The palate brings a bit more of a typical Springbank character, even though it’s a Hazelburn. There’s a lot of mature funkiness with hessian, moldy cellars, things like that. Hints of straw, marram grass, sea salt. It’s very gentle with only a little bit of alcohol bite.
Swallow:
Still slightly drying, with sawdust of tree bark. A very long finish with those gentle sherry notes again. Lovely and complex with dried apples, some apricot in the background.
This is one of those moments where you understand big price tags on whisky (a little bit). As in, I get why some things are far more expensive than others. Whether or not that should be high priced is another discussion.
The initial nose of sweetness didn’t entice me all that much, but all I had to do to get past that was just give it a couple of seconds to open up after pouring. Epic stuff!
BOW (90)
A Harmonious Blend of Sherry and Bourbon
The Hazelburn 21 Years Old 2022 Edition is a whisky that embodies elegance and complexity. Crafted by the renowned Hazelburn Distillery, this limited edition release, bottled on 22.04.2022, showcases the art of maturing in both sherry and bourbon casks. With a composition of 70% sherry casks and 30% bourbon casks, this whisky presents a symphony of flavors that captivate the senses. Let's delve into the tasting notes and discover the depth and character of this remarkable expression.
Nose:
At first nosing, the Hazelburn 21 Years Old 2022 Edition offers a delightful sweetness reminiscent of dark chocolate and pastry. However, as you delve deeper, a myriad of intriguing aromas unfold. Grain and oak notes intertwine with lingering pastry scents. Coastal elements and hints of tree bark add a touch of complexity. The nose exudes maturity, with gentle sherry notes complemented by subtle hints of yeast and cocoa powder.
Palate:
Upon taking a sip, the palate reveals the distinctive character of Hazelburn, despite being a Hazelburn expression. The whisky unveils a mature funkiness, evoking hessian and the allure of old cellars. Subtle straw and marram grass flavors intermingle with a gentle hint of sea salt. The whisky's smoothness minimizes any alcohol bite, allowing the flavors to shine through gracefully.
Finish:
As the whisky lingers on the palate, a subtle dryness emerges, reminiscent of sawdust and tree bark. The finish is delightfully prolonged, with the return of the gentle sherry notes experienced on the nose. The complexity deepens, with the emergence of dried apple flavors and a subtle hint of apricot lingering in the background. This is a whisky that offers a depth of flavors that continue to unfold long after each sip.
Conclusion:
The Hazelburn 21 Years Old 2022 Edition is an exceptional whisky that showcases the meticulous craftsmanship and artistry of the distillers at Hazelburn Distillery. Its harmonious blend of sherry and bourbon casks creates a flavor profile that is nuanced, captivating, and rich in complexity. The initial sweetness on the nose evolves into a remarkable display of maturity and depth on the palate and finish. This whisky exemplifies the allure and value of well-crafted spirits, justifying its place among the higher-priced offerings. Whether enjoyed leisurely or savored on special occasions, the Hazelburn 21 Years Old 2022 Edition is a testament to the beauty of aged whisky and a true delight for connoisseurs.
Serge Valentin (90)
Angus MacRaild:
Colour: pale amber. Nose: to me Hazelburn these days increasingly seems to align around a 'diet Springbank' profile, but very much in the best sense of that concept. This leans loudly towards the sherry with a lot of hessian, cough medicines, wee sooty touches, Maggi, leather tobacco pouch and delicate waxy notes. Also some darker dried fruits, gamey meaty touches and bitter herbs. Excellent! Mouth: lovely arrival, rather on bitter herbal notes, salty and nutty sherry tones, more leathery and tobacco vibes and further impressions of sooty things, waxes, game meats and subtle cough medicines. Blind I would probably have just said a lovely Springbank. Finish: good length, on heather honey, candied almonds, salted liquorice, cough syrup and drier earth sherry notes in the aftertaste. Comments: rock solid, with a very 'Springbank' sherry profile but one that manages to show good balance and cleanliness. I am increasingly a fan of Hazelburn as the years tick by.
