Hazelburn 8 Year Old Oloroso Cask

An unpeated 2017 Hazelburn single malt, released in early 2025, that was matured exclusively in oloroso sherry casks for 8 years, before being bottled. 

Tasting Notes

Nose: brighter than expected, and nicely expressive. The lightly waxy and industrial elements of Hazelburn shine through, with plenty of worn leather, old newspaper, some camphor and leafy notes. Then good sherry (brandy) notes, like praline, dates, walnuts and a tart hint of raspberry jam. Mild oak spice as well.

Palate: there’s a big role for spicy wood now, along with salted liquorice, more walnuts and herbal extracts. Tobacco leaves, hints of leather and a good part of oak char.  Then some candied orange peel, a little ginger and drying nutty notes. Lamp oil too, while there’s a faint hint of bright fruits in the background.

Finish: quite long, still reasonably fruity (red berries), along with liquorice and wet wood, as well as a hint of salty lemon.