Hazelburn 12yo (46%, OB,, 12,000 Bts., 2009)

From the Springbank website; ‘The newest addition to the range of whiskies produced at Springbank, Hazelburn gains it’s light, delicate character through being distilled three times in the distillery’s old copper stills.  Hazelburn is made with unpeated barley, making the spirit light, fruity and very, very subtle.  1997 saw the first distillation of Hazelburn and the first release of the whisky as an eight year old in 2005 was so successful that all 6,000 bottles sold out within a matter of weeks.  Like Longrow, Hazelburn is named after one of the old Campbeltown distilleries. Most of the distillery buildings are still standing, though the distillery is long defunct. Hazelburn is available as an 8 year old, with a 12 year old due to be released in 2009’.

It’s occurred; the 12yo is now roaming the planet, without caramel and without chill filtration. The nose is very Springbank but without the gentle smoke along with some really good fruit (warm lychee right off the tree, fruit cake, plump raisins and dried tree fruit) and an enjoyable malt delivery. There is also some slight brine, brown sugar and wood spice. What a sensational nose (think of Barbara Streisand; but not for too long). The taste is of vanilla, light damp cotton, malt, the rich dried fruit, the Christmas cake, the brine, very slight hints of tobacco and leather that increases with every passing moment (you should have stopped thinking of Barbara Streisand by now). Hold this sensational whisky in your mouth for a minute or two; it’s simply very, very good. Oh my….what a huge mouth feel for a triple distilled malt. The finish is malty, wet cotton, sweet and then dry oak notes intermingle with the very slight tobacco and leather. There is also a wonderful moment of bitter chocolate which quickly converts to a creamy smoothness that goes on for a long period.

What a sensational dram.

C$100 and worth every penny

Score 89 points

Visit Springbank Distillery at http://www.springbankwhisky.com/