Hazelburn 21 Year Single Malt Scotch
The 2023 release of Hazelburn 21 is one for the books. The triple-distilled, unpeated single malt from cult favorite Springbank Distillery is always easy to love, but with plenty of confounding complexity as well, particularly after 21 years of ageing. The 2023 bottling was aged in 80% ex-Bourbon casks, 10% ex-Oloroso Sherry casks, and 10% ex-Port casks, lending touches of influence without overpowering the rich malt base. Notes of leather bound books, bung cloth and dunnage warehouse on the nose are followed by sweeter characteristics of treacle, caramel and bramble. On the palate there are notes of marshmallow and candy floss, with a syrupy mouthfeel and subtle mineral note. The earthy tone from the nose carries through, finishing on cocoa powder, cappuccino, and mint. Bottled at 43.2% abv.