House of Hazelwood The Charles Gordon Collection The Garden At Hazelwood 47 yo

 

 

 

43,7°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Scotland

Independent Bottling 

By House of Hazelwood

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

As they are part of William Grant & Sons, the blenders at House of Hazelwood have access to the oldest casks. In this case, we’re talking about a 47-year-old whisky, which is quite rare. As only 137 bottles are being released, I imagine that very few whiskies have been used in the blend – probably no more than two. I heard the demonstrator mention the Highlands, but perhaps I misunderstood. I’m not entirely sure, as William Grant & Sons doesn’t own a distillery in the Highlands, but you never know. Charles Grant Gordon was the great-grandson of William Grant, the founder of the Glenfiddich and Balvenie distilleries, and of one of the largest whisky groups. It was under his leadership that Glenfiddich launched the first single malt in the history of whisky, during the 1960s. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It’s quite particular, generous notes of lemon, potimarron squash, orchard fruits, peaches, pears, very ripe apples, floral honey, fresh lavender, holly. Grass after the rain, autumnal freshness, dried herbs, plum pulp, dried apricots. On the palate, it becomes distinctly herbaceous, peppermint, thyme, leek soup. But also very honeyed. Fresh figs, cooked fruit, mirabelle plums. Very light, fruity spices. A finish that borders on perfection, immensely long, just the right amount of explosiveness, lacquered noble wood, fried caramel, pear coulis, melting chocolate. A hint of root notes underneath it all, warm chestnuts, hazelnuts.

 

In Short, 

I don’t know where it comes from, but I know just how good it is. The nose and finish are magnificent, and it’s truly astonishing given its very low alcohol content. On the palate, it lives up to expectations, fruity and herbal, very original. At this age, the character is intense, with no watery notes. The price, however, is completely crazy, you have to wonder whether it’s something to be enjoyed or something to speculate on. The second option is, unfortunately, the most likely. A shame, because it’s truly excellent. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Eolith - Ruminate

House of Hazelwood Legacy Collection The Lowlander 36 yo

 

 

 

45,9°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Lowlands

American White Oak Casks 

Independent Bottling 

By House of Hazelwood

Limited Edition 

Blended Scotch

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

House of Hazelwood is a very new company, founded in 2022. It is owned by the Gordon family, who also own William Grant & Sons. Suffice to say, they know a thing or two about blending. They have released only around thirty products so far, all of which are very mature. This one is made from different distilleries from the Lowlands region, it is a Blended Scotch, which means there is grain whisky in it. Now, the Gordon family owns the Girvan distillery in the Lowlands, so that is certainly where the grain whisky that contributed to this nectar comes from. However, they do not own a malt distillery in the Lowlands. But at the time, around 1988 and before, there were only three distilleries in operation in the region: Auchentoshan, Bladnoch and Glenkinchie. The latter two are owned by Diageo, which has a turbulent history with William Grant & Sons, but that doesn’t necessarily mean anything. 432 bottles are being released. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is superbly mellow, vanilla waffles, garden blossom honey, candied mandarins, powdery almonds, brown sugar. A zest of lemon. At the same time, crystalline salt, fresh grass, reeds and rich earth. Light mineral notes, freshly cut flint, sweet butter. On the palate, it is unfortunately very light, though perfectly balanced, pulpy fruit, greengages, Chasselas grapes, soft bananas. White chocolate. Shavings of waxed wood, hints of aniseed, cardamom, clove, then a very long but not particularly explosive finish, very ripe pear, crushed flowers, cooked egg yolk, hazelnut, a dash of peanut butter.

 

In Short, 

At first, I was a bit disappointed, as I found it very light, despite a superb nose. But on reflection, there is a great deal of subtlety to it, including on the palate and in the finish. It is truly a quintessential Lowland whisky, with gentle, understated spring-like flavours, very well-balanced and smooth. However, I was shocked by the price, clearly, it isn’t worth such extravagance. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Pitou - Knife

Caol Ila 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

48,6°

Distillery : Caol Ila - Islay

Hogshead and Moscatel Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 35 ppm

 

 

 

Also part of the Crafted in Cask collection launched in 2025, which comprises around twenty bottlings, this Caol Ila, having spent approximately 15 years in a hogshead, followed by at least three years in a cask of Moscatel, a sweet wine produced on the Iberian Peninsula, has yielded only 78 bottles. Within this range, also known as Odyssey, all the products have undergone a finishing process of at least three years in a variety of casks. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The pairing of the fruity Moscatel and Caol Ila-style peat is a success. A sooty smokiness with dried apricots, redcurrant jam, fresh figs, tannins, a few grains of salt, fragrant herbs. Marinated shellfish. On the palate, Amarena cherries, damson plums, it is as smooth as honey, but just a touch light. Soaked wood, intense spices, cloves, black pepper. A fairly long, powerful finish, with notes of ash, charcoal, burnt rubber, fermented fruit, a hint of sea spray. Black tea. 

 

In Short, 

I really liked this one, bearing in mind that it’s very different from the Caol Ila Distillers Edition, which is also finished in Moscatel. But that must be white Moscatel, whereas this one is clearly influenced by red Moscatel. It’s much richer, deeper and more intense. And it goes very well with the Caol Ila peat, full of soot, charcoal and sea spray. On the other hand, the price is off-putting, it seemed to me, but that’s no doubt because of the very small number of bottles produced. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Devil Electric - Hypnotica

Benriach 1991 Exceptional Casks

 

 

 

48,3°

Distillery : The BenRiach - Speyside 

Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This range from Berry Bros. & Rudd is aptly named, as it comprises nothing but truly timeless bottlings. Here is a BenRiach aged for at least 31 years, matured in a simple hogshead, yielding just 254 bottles.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A very subtle nose, though it lacks that certain something to be truly captivating, candied apples and pears, marzipan, pancakes drizzled with maple syrup, delicate wax, discreet woody notes, cooked bananas, liquid honey. Chasselas grapes, cut hay, rustic grains. On the palate, it is a little light, but very nuanced, creamy vanilla, melt-in-the-mouth fudge, praline chocolates, dried apricots, apple compote dusted with cinnamon, argan oil, cardamom, nutmeg, clove. A very long, well-structured finish, grainy, peppery, woody, raisins, a thicker waxiness, pine splinters, melted butter. 

 

In Short, 

I found it hard to get my head around it. The nose seemed very well crafted to me, but it lacked that touch of magic that makes you dream. On the palate, it’s very good but a tad light. The finish, on the other hand, is superb, almost endless, not too strong, and spicy. Overall, it’s an excellent whisky, but at this age, I was expecting something truly mind-blowing, and that’s not the case. The price is enough to give you cold sweats. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           DeVotchKa - Give Me Something to Believe

Sutherland 2000 A Single Cask Collection: Crafted in Cask 24 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands

Hogshead and Quarter Cask Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated 

 

 

 

This one is the oldest release in the Crafted in Cask range, launched in 2025 and also known as Odyssey, which comprises around twenty bottlings that have undergone a finishing process of at least three years, mostly in wine casks. Here, it is a simple finish in a Quarter Cask, which intensifies the interaction between the whisky and the wood. Only 92 bottles are being released. The name of the distillery is being kept secret, but it is 98% certain that it is a Clynelish. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Wildflower honey, candied lemon, flaked almonds, cooked apples, sweet-and-sour sauce. Fresh cereals, white currants, creamy vanilla, and a variety of spices, cinnamon, cloves, ginger. Elegant oak, with a slightly waxy quality. On the palate, it is somewhat light but well-balanced, with small yellow apples, delicately tart, generous citrus, a mix of fruits, peaches and mirabelle plums, a few salty notes, more subtle spices. Fairly long and powerful finish, almond paste, a touch of smoke and wax, aniseed, peppermint, roots.

 

 

In Short, 

It’s not quite as good as I’d have hoped. With a Clynelish of this age, you expect something truly outstanding, but this one is just a very good whisky. However, it’s original enough to catch the eye and stick in the memory, the Quarter Cask finish adds an interesting tangy and bittersweet touch. Very few bottles are available, so those keen to try it would be wise to hurry, there are still enough left for now, but who knows what tomorrow will bring? The price is generally a bit on the high side. 

Score : 89  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Failure - The Air's on Fire

Teaninich 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Teaninich - Highlands 

Hogshead and Pineau des Charentes Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

As is always the case with the Single Cask Collection launched by the British bottler Berry Bros. & Rudd, the most experienced in the market, the whisky has been finished for at least three years, this time in a cask that previously held Pineau des Charentes, a French fortified wine from the Cognac region. 303 bottles have been released for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The wine’s influence is significant, apple compote, fresh and stringy red berries, candied lemon, cinnamon tart, brown sugar, Muscat grapes, fermented cherries, liquid chocolate, red peppers, it’s pastry-like and slightly indulgent. On the palate, it is creamy, beetroot hummus, raspberry coulis, wild strawberries, woody notes, hairspray, lively spices, cardamom, ginger and nutmeg. The finish is quite long and complex, woody spices, pepper and cloves, drier fruits, dates, prunes, mirabelle plums, we enter the heart of the wood, without it being bitter. 

 

In Short, 

The finish plays a significant role here, shaping the whisky in its own image, and this may not be to everyone’s taste. It’s pleasant and subtle, but the wine-like and syrupy notes are still quite pronounced – you have to like that sort of thing. As for the price, it’s reasonable. If you’re drawn to this style, it’s worth giving it a try. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Pleasure Symbols - Image Reflected

Benrinnes 2010 Berry Bros. & Rudd Collection Itinéraires 15 yo

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Benrinnes - Speyside

Bourbon Cask and Pedro Ximénez Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

After spending at least 11 years in a Bourbon cask, this one was finished for three and a half years in a Pedro Ximénez sherry cask, resulting in a run of 262 bottles. It was selected by La Maison du Whisky to feature in the Collection Itinéraires, for exclusive sale in France.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, malty cereals, raisins and quince jam. Warm wax, tobacco leaves, candied ginger, angelica, green olives. Milk chocolate, a few rich and sweet floral notes, mingled with cinnamon. Melting caramel and fresh figs. On the palate, it is creamy and fruity, with a hint of oil. Banana, Comice pears, stringy vanilla, generous lemon. White grapes, almonds and pistachios, nutmeg, hazelnut, clove. A mellow finish, prunes, fairly long, pine resin, liquorice stick, dried fruit, oak bark, cola. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry influence isn’t too overpowering, resulting in a pleasant, complex, smooth and fruity whisky that goes down quite easily. For a 15-year-old single cask, the price is very reasonable, and in fact there aren’t many left. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            The Heavy Heavy - Texas Sun

Glen Elgin 2007 A Single Cask Collection : Crafted in Cask 18 yo

 

 

 

57,4°

Distillery : Glen Elgin - Speyside

Hogshead and Moscatel Wine Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Berry Bros. & Rudd

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This one matured in a simple hogshead before being transferred to an Ex Moscatel cask, which is a sweet white wine from Portugal or southern Spain. This finishing process lasted at least three years, which is a long time. The result is now counting 162 bottles still available here and there. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Woody and fresh nose, full of sweet fruit, brown sugar and nuts. Vanilla cream, candied apples, almond paste, dates, blood oranges, lemon slices, apricot jam. Honey and a few floral notes. It's pleasant on the palate, but a little drying, with dried fruit and nuts coming to the fore. Oak bark, nutmeg, cloves. Raisins, candied ginger. Long and powerful finish with hints of red fruit, cinnamon, roots, spices and a very slight woody bitterness. Drops of wax, treacle, maple syrup. 

 

In Short, 

It's very pleasant, but I don't detect the distillery's slightly mineral profile. That said, it's very well made, a blend of sweetness and dried fruit, wood and vanilla, culminating in a relatively smooth finish. If you look hard enough, you can find it at an attractive price. 

Score : 88 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Gaia Banfi - Congelati