Hazelburn 10 YO Rundlets and Kilderkins
Nozinan Mini and Sample Series - 42
1 286
Review by @Nozinan
- Nose~
- Taste~
- Finish~
- Balance~
- Overall86
Show rating data charts
Distribution of ratings for this:
- Brand: Hazelburn
- Type: Scotch
- Region: Campbeltown
- ABV: 50.1%
On Dec. 24, 2016, while combing the liquor stores of Calgary for special finds, I came across a bottle of this spirit still at its original selling price. I had a bottle of the Springbank R&K (unopened) and had heard that all three expressions were good so I picked it up. Sadly, like many special finds, I never got around to cracking the seal.
Fast forward to December 2017 and an Epic tasting chez moi, and an open bottle was presented by @Robert99, and I recall enjoying it that night. Even nicer, there was a prepared sample for me so that I could review it, thereby delaying even longer the opening of my bottle. It is this sample I review now.
This expression is reviewed in my usual manner, allowing it to settle after which I take my nosing and tasting notes, followed by the addition of a few drops of water, waiting, then nosing and tasting. This is my first review in which I employ the Highland whisky glass (H2H with a Glencairn).
Nose: 22/25
In the Glencairn, rich and sweet, with lemon citrus. Same in the Highland glass. With time I can make out that savoury Springbank signature, and is it my imagination or is there a hint of peat? Some fruitiness makes it a little more complex. Nice nose. With water, especially, in the Highland glass, the nose is a little more rich, fruity and syrupy. (22.5/25)
Taste:21.5/25
Slightly hot, dry and bitter on the first sip. Sweetens a little after that. Sour in the development. In the Highland glass it seems to come out a little sweeter, but other than that the flavours are the same. With water, it becomes quite dry, more peppery and a little bitter. Maybe just a touch too bitter. (21/25)
Finish: 21/25
A bit oaky. Medium short. Astringent. Unremarkable. Water increases the oaky astringency.
Balance: 21.5/25
The nose promises more than the taste delivers, especially with water. On the palate it is not quite as complex.
Score: Neat - 85.5/100 With Water: 85.5 /100
Score: 86/100
This is not bad. As expected, with the cask types, there is a lot of wood influence. It gets tastier as I continue to sip it. I should mention that it goes really well with chocolate covered caramel balls.
Thanks again @Robert99!
Find where to buy Hazelburn whisky
@Nozinan Thank you for the review. Reading your review brought back some good memories. I was also reminded of how different are our palates. For me, that bottle had improved with time and the fruitiness was more forward. I stand with the review I wrote about finding the peach and, at a lesser degree, the malt of Glengoyne in it. The funny part is that we rated it about the same.