We’ve tried a few really tasty Hazelburn Oloroso Cask expressions in the past (2020 and 2018 release), so I’m keen to try the latest release. The unpeated, triple distilled Springbank style often works well with a full maturation in sherry casks.
Hazelburn 15 yo 2008 – Oloroso Cask Matured (55,8%, OB 2023, ref. 23/187, 9000 btl.)
Nose: very elegant, with hints of sweet sherry brandy rather than actual Oloroso perhaps. Nice red berries, blackcurrants and plums, with raisins, hints of tobacco leaves and walnuts. Then mocha, buttery notes and dark chocolate. Hints of old attics and cellars as well. Some fleshy umami in the background but perfectly tolerable for me. Really captivating.
Mouth: lovely combination of old leathery notes and berry sweetness, dried figs and chocolate. Nice acidity as well, think blood orange and flashes of tangerine. Dried apricots with caramel coated hazelnuts. Tobacco, wood char, hints of candied ginger and mild black pepper. Then back to earthy notes and cola sweets.
Finish: quite long, with a hint of diesel, wood polish, liquorice and coffee beans.
The balance of (rather restrained) Campbeltown funk and a very nice sherry influence is great. Fresh, fruity sherry, right up my alley. Sold out in most shops – a good reason to look at small local retailers. Often with a serious markup though, 200+ euros is not an exception.