The 2025 edition of Hazelburn Sherry Wood was an 8 year-old expression fully matured in Oloroso sherry casks. A chance to pick up a sherried whisky from Springbank for around £ 75. Moreover I often like these sherried Hazelburns, provided they’re not too dirty.
Hazelburn 8 yo 2017 – Oloroso Cask Matured (48,2%, OB 2025, 10.500 btl.)
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.
Mouth: 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.
A great nose, which reaches more or less the same heights as some considerably older expressions. On the palate it gets a little rougher with the youth and oak shining through. Overall a nice release though.