Hazelburn 13 Year Old Oloroso is the unpeated and triple distilled Springbank spirit aged in a mix of first-fill and refill sherry casks. They already had a 2003 version of this in 2017 – we’re trying the 2004 vintage bottled in April 2018.
Hazelburn 13 yo 2004 ‘Oloroso Cask Matured’ (47,4%, OB 2018, 9000 btl.)
Hazelburn 13 yo 2004 ‘Oloroso Cask Matured’ (47,4%, OB 2018, 9000 btl.)Nose: the typical mix of marzipan and pencil shavings that I always get in Hazelburn. Hints of damp floors. Blackcurrants. A bit of vanilla cake and candied ginger. Just light sherry, with some raisins and plums. Even some rosewater lokum.
Mouth: quite sweet and oily, with nice hints of strawberry jam throughout. Almonds, red apples, marzipan again. Subtle cinnamon and pepper. Honey and vanilla, as well as orange zest.
Finish: medium long, with some pastry notes, red fruits and coffee beans.
This Hazelburn has quite a soft, modern sherry influence, but especially the strawberry notes are delicious. Works well with the funky character of the spirit. It flew off the shelves but it’s still available from Loch Fyne at the original price.
Score: 88/100