Hazelburn 10 yo

 

 

 

46°

Distillery : Springbank - Campbeltown

Bourbon Barrels 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2014

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Hazelburn 10 Year Old was my biggest gap in knowledge. Among the classics of the whisky world, it is certainly the most remarkable one that I had not yet mentioned. It appeared in 2014, first as a limited edition, then it was added to the Core Range. At that time, there was a real regular range for the Hazelburn brand, which included an 8-year-old and a 12-year-old, as well as an unaged one, the CV. All of this disappeared fairly quickly once the 10-year-old became established. Matured 100% in Bourbon Barrels, it reveals a distillate coated in yellow fruit. This bottling was so successful that it became increasingly difficult to find in recent times. In fact, no new batch had been released for two years. This is the one I am tasting, launched at the end of 2025, but I have no doubt that I will have the opportunity to complete my opinion on this bottle with older batches. I have one at home that has been waiting for me to open it for years. The first editions came with a box, but this is no longer the case. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

It is smooth and velvety, with notes of rubbed hay, dry straw, wildflower honey, and perhaps a coastal touch, a hint of salt. Mirabelle plums and greengages, very slight acidity, soft banana, nougatine. Dry earth. On the palate, it is woody, spicy, rose water, yellow fruits, apples and pears, rustic cereals. Fairly long finish, not far from being powerful, walnuts, white grapes, a zest of lime, bread dough, an ounce of bitterness. Rough hazelnuts. Pine bark, red sand, beeswax.

 

In Short, 

Despite triple distillation and the total absence of peat, it has a strong character, complemented by a beautiful, delicate fruitiness and some woody notes. Frankly, it is very well made and rounds off the Springbank range, which offers a truly varied but complementary selection of expressions. The identity of the distillate is immediately recognisable. Unfortunately, prices are rising with Springbank due to frenzied demand. I would therefore say that this bottle is now reserved for fans, as the value for money is no longer there. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                            ZionRay featuring Shea - Wrong Direction

Craigellachie 2008 Fàire - Orizzonti di Riccardo Furini 16 yo

 

 

 

60,9°

Distillery : Craigellachie - Speyside

Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

The third and final release in this small series launched this year by Hidden Spirits, combining the work of Riccardo Furini with whisky. Here we have a Craigellachie that has spent 16 years in a sherry cask, yielding only 105 bottles, exactly like the other two. The artwork chosen to illustrate the label is entitled I Cani abbaiano si agitano i Cavalli.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A nose typical of the distillery, both robust and indulgent, dates, dried bananas, cherries in brandy, cranberry jam, dark chocolate filled with orange, soft caramel, old leather, apple crumble sprinkled with cinnamon. On the palate, it is thick and silky, purée of red berries, of quinces, apricots and raisins, cloves, cocoa powder and compote. The finish is more cereal-like and woody, with wood chips, damp hay, hazelnuts and chestnuts, biscuits stuffed with red berries, light coffee, earthy notes.

 

In Short, 

There is a beautiful complexity and character, the sherry blends very well with the distillery's profile. It is rich but not overly so, with a slightly rustic, farmhouse feel, woody and forest-like. It has a beautiful depth that can be appreciated over time. However, I find the price too high, I understand that the design is expensive, but it is above all the whisky that we are buying. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           mercury - Special

Macduff 2008 Fàire - Orizzonti di Riccardo Furini 16 yo

 

 

 

53,5°

Distillery : Macduff - Highlands

Sherry Cask 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

A new addition to this series launched in 2025 by Hidden Spirits, which brings together three bottlings that illustrate the works of Riccardo Furini. This time, it is a Macduff that has spent 16 years in a sherry cask and yielded only 105 bottles. The artwork featured on the label is entitled Orizzonte. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is stronger, more intense, forest berries, deep spices, soft bark, black earth, chocolate fondant, heather honey, raisins, braised nuts, a zest of blood orange. In the background, a few discreet mineral notes. Elegant woodiness, mahogany. On the palate, it is rich and balanced, red fruit jam, dates, stuffed figs, soft toffee and a slight pinch of salt. Warm, spicy finish, cocoa powder, hazelnuts and cashews, roots, cooked mushrooms. Filled cabbage. Cinnamon.

 

In Short, 

I really liked it, it has a certain personality, ranging from forest notes to a slight coastal saltiness. The sherry gives it a lovely fruitiness, but also enriches the character of the distillate. However, it is still a little expensive, so I'm not sure if I would recommend buying it. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Möng - Ohilen

Allt-a-Bhainne 2008 Fàire - Orizzonti di Riccardo Furini 16 yo

 

 

 

52,5°

Distillery : Allt-a-Bhainne - Speyside

Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

This is a new series from Hidden Spirits, an independent bottler founded in 2013 by Andrea Ferrari, featuring the works of Italian painter Riccardo Furini. The whisky chosen to launch this collection is an Allt-a-Bhainne that has spent 16 years in a sherry cask, yielding only 105 bottles. The artwork featured on the label is entitled Dauni. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The nose is cereal-like, toasted wheat, muesli, malted barley, but it is also airy, damp hay, varnished wood. Some dried fruits, raisins, figs, quince jam and a touch of chutney. Roasted hazelnuts, dark chocolate. On the palate, the sherry is a little more expressive, wild berries set against woody notes, sea buckthorn tea, greengages and a coffee bean. Crunchy cereals, melted spices. A lovely finish, quite long but not quite explosive, cocoa powder, candied orange peel, soft bark, lichen and moss. 

 

In Short, 

It's very interesting, the sherry gives it a slightly austere fruitiness, reminiscent of undergrowth, the distillate is elegant, and the age gives it a beautiful maturity. Unfortunately, the price is a little high for what it is, in my opinion, but fans of this profile will enjoy it. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Lucinda Williams - The World's Gone Wrong

Ben Nevis 2018 Hidden Spirits 7 yo

 

 

 

53,1°

Distillery : Ben Nevis - Highlands

2d Fill Sherry, Peated Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Almost Unpeated

 

 

 

Also part of the Glasgow Bus Series, this 7-year-old Ben Nevis has been matured entirely in a second-fill sherry cask, which was previously filled with peated whisky. This gives the product a smoky character, a practice often seen at Ben Nevis, but not with sherry casks. Only 150 bottles are available for sale. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The peat is not too strong, the smoke is evanescent, and blends effortlessly with salty and fruity, even mineral notes. Melting chocolate, ripe mirabelle plums, spicy wood, dried dates and figs. Cold ashes, burnt coffee beans, meringue cream and flambéed banana. On the palate, damp leather and oak bark, liquid honey, sweet plums, caramel cream. Shimmering spices and subtle smoke. A fairly long and powerful finish, resinous wood, blowtorch-caramelised sugar, greengage clafoutis, cocoa, dry earth and a hint of salt.

 

In Short, 

True to its pedigree, this Ben Nevis is intense, complex and rich, as well as full of smoke. It has a beautiful character, but with a certain subtlety despite the youthfulness of the product. A lovely bottling, worth buying as the price is really low. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Sledges - June is Better Than July

Blair Athol 2011 Hidden Spirits 13 yo

 

 

 

51,4°

Distillery : Blair Athol - Highlands

1st Fill Sherry Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Continuing my tour of new releases from Hidden Spirits, I come to this 13-year-old Blair Athol, part of the Glasgow Bus Series, as the label features attractive vintage buses. It was aged in a 1st fill sherry hogshead, so I can expect a fruity flavour. 215 bottles were released from the cask.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Mountain honey, studded with dried fruit, raisins, figs, dates, brown sugar and melting chocolate. Crushed walnuts, fresh leather, a hint of orange zest, but also some mineral notes, chalk, quartz and gypsum. A pinch of salt. On the palate, it is smooth and velvety, mocha fondant, with cinnamon and candied ginger, nutmeg and delicate woody notes, rustic cereals and freshly cut hay. Fairly long finish, brioche, soft caramel, orange chutney. A touch of iodine and salt. 

 

In Short, 

It's not bad at all, the sherry is really well integrated. However, the balance isn't perfect, the mineral notes are a little strong, but after all, that gives it character. This bottling has its original side, but overall it's very old school, which is charming. What's more, the price is low, so those who are curious should take an interest.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Alice Costelloe - Anywhere Else

Longmorn 2008 Hidden Spirits 17 yo

 

 

 

50,7°

Distillery : Longmorn - Speyside

2d Fill Bourbon Barrel

Independent Bottling 

By Hidden Spirits 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated 

 

 

 

Let's take a quick look at Hidden Spirits, an independent Italian bottler founded in 2013 that I am particularly fond of. Here we have a Longmorn that has spent 17 years in a second-fill bourbon barrel, which should give the distillate plenty of time to express itself. The label features a vintage bus, which is why this whisky belongs to the Glasgow Bus Series. 217 bottles are available for sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Creamy nose, thick vanilla and Italia grape pulp, white chocolate, banana purée, and various citrus fruits, lime, mandarin. Orchard fruits, Golden Smith apples and Conference pears, elegant and spicy woody notes. On the palate, it is indulgent, banana cake, brioche, vanilla icing, melted butter, subtle spices, cumin. Fairly long finish, still indulgent, honeyed, pine resin, shortbread biscuits, mint and candied fruit, malted cereals, roasted hazelnuts, a small grain of coffee. A pinch of salt. 

 

In Short, 

It is elegant and rich, well-made, delicately woody and abundantly fruity, all lovers of this profile will appreciate it. It is still available at an attractive price, but that is unlikely to last, so I suggest purchasing it now. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ma Polaine - Been Loved Too Much

Ardnahoe Bholsa

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Ardnahoe - Islay

Predominantly Oloroso Sherry and Bourbon Casks 

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm 

 

 

 

And here is the second representative of Ardnahoe's Core Range, launched in March 2025. It is mainly aged in Oloroso Sherry Casks, around 60%, with the remainder consisting of Bourbon Casks. The absence of colouring and chill filtration is encouraging. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The sherry is a bit dry, red plum skin, dates, tanned leather, roasted nuts, a zest of blood orange, raspberry purée. The peat is definitely there, ash and soot, dark chocolate, dried meat spread with caramel. Candied cherries. On the palate, red fruit coulis, shortbread biscuits, Williams pear, light woodiness and subtle spices, raisins, liquorice. It's a little light. Fairly long finish, gently powerful, dried figs, hazelnuts, dirty charcoal, ginger, a few more red fruits. A touch of acidity. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry isn't too strong, nor is the peat. I'd need to taste it again, but I didn't detect any mineral or coastal notes either. This makes for a lovely whisky, with fruity, meaty and slightly acidic notes, without being unpleasant, but for me it lacks that little something that gives Islay its identity. Honestly, it's good, but I was expecting better, especially as the price is still high for a non-age-statement whisky. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Liv Sangster - Lonely Road

Ardnahoe Infinite Loch

 

 

 

50°

Distillery : Ardnahoe - Islay

1st Fill Bourbon and 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Casks

Original Bottling 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 40 ppm

 

 

 

After launching its Inaugural Release in May 2024, Ardnahoe released the first product in its Core Range in November of the same year. Given the distillery's youth, it is not aged, but it is non-chill filtered and contains no colouring. The ageing process offers a balance between Bourbon and Sherry. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

The Bourbon is generous, with caramel, vanilla and crème brûlée notes, along with coastal and iodine hints, dried seaweed and sea salt. White chocolate, orange peel and various citrus fruits. Vegetable peat, dried hay and chalky earth. Nougatine. On the palate, orchard fruits, green apples and Williams pears, perhaps a nectarine, soft biscuits dipped in milk, sponge cake, creamy vanilla. Relatively subtle spices, a pinch of cinnamon. A finish with character, pipe tobacco, smoked fish, waxed wood, lemonade, roasted nuts. Pistachio. A hint of minerality. 

 

In Short, 

It's really interesting, although still a little young and a little too bourbon-dominated for my taste. I would have given it 7 or 8 years rather than around 5, you don't really notice its youth, but it is still a little light on the palate. It shows promise, but they will need to do better if they want to reach the level of Caol Ila 12 Year Old or Ardbeg Ten. The price seems a little steep to me, but we must support young distilleries. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Racing Mount Pleasant - Your New Place

Elements of Islay Campfire Feis Ile 2025

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

PX and Oloroso Sherry Butts, 1st Fill Bourbon Barrels, Charred and Toasted New Oak Barrels 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Blended Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 39 ppm

 

 

 

Since 2023, Elements of Islay has been producing a series called the Fire Trilogy, starting with Beach Bonfire in 2023, followed by Fireside the following year, and finally Campfire in 2025, released in time for Feis Ile. For the first two, there was a cask strength version and a reduced version, but for this one, there seems to be only the reduced version. Three distilleries are involved, from the north and south coasts of Islay. I'm betting on Caol Ila, Laphroaig and Bunnahabhain. But I can't say for sure. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Quite intense and complex sherry, various red fruits, grilled meat with caramel sauce, melting chocolate, raspberry coulis, cranberry jam, chimney soot, very solid peat, charcoal, small fried mushrooms. On the palate, a certain creaminess, melting marshmallow, blackberry purée, wild strawberries, thick layer of peat and lively but not overly strong spices, ginger, cloves, nutmeg. Apple and cinnamon crumble. Long, fairly powerful finish, liquorice, wet wood, roasted hazelnuts, merguez sausage.

 

In Short, 

It's not bad, not bad at all, and even complex and intense. It's a good blend of peat and sherry that will please any fan of this profile. The only concern is that it's as expensive as Uigeadail, which is still better. 

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Madam - To The Moon

Elements of Islay Sherry Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay 

1st Fill, Refill Sherry Butts and Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range 

Single Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

The third member of the Core Range at Elements of Islay is this Sherry Cask. It has been aged entirely in a variety of sherry casks and is a blend from two distilleries, one located on the south coast (rumoured to be Laphroaig) and the other on the north coast (certainly Caol Ila). To be more precise, it is said to be 65% Caol Ila and the rest Laphroaig.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry, coastal and airy, even mineral, with just the right amount of peat coated in caramel and encrusted with charcoal, soot and fuel oil. Dark chocolate, brown tobacco, cigar ash. Apple compote, candied ginger, mint leaves. A hint of sea spray, limestone and seaweed. On the palate, it is unctuous, blood oranges, maple syrup, dried apricots and candied fruit, dates, quinces, burnt caramel, soft toffee, cloves and nutmeg. Lemon cake. Autumn leaves. The finish is quite long and powerful, biscuits dipped in tea, brown sugar, cinnamon, saffron, crème brûlée, cocoa powder. Roots, spread with molasses, and a very slight medicinal touch. 

 

In Short, 

The sherry is not too overpowering, you can feel the character of Islay, the maritime notes and a solid peat, although not very strong. That said, there is quite a lot of fruit, the nose is a little shy at first, then the palate is very rich, and the finish is enchanting. This makes for a beautiful bottling, complex and measured, seductive and easy to drink. Worth trying for fans of peat and sherry, but Uigeadail is the same price.  

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tolstoys - Mad

Elements of Islay Bourbon Cask

 

 

 

54,5°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

1st Fill and Refill Bourbon Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Core Range

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, when the Elements of Islay range was revamped, this stuff appeared. I imagine it more or less replaces Peat Full Proof, which disappeared at the same time. You might think it's the same as Cask Edit, with a higher alcohol content, but that's not the case. Cask Edit is a blend of Bourbon and Sherry Casks, while Bourbon Cask has been matured entirely in Bourbon Casks of various types. As with Cask Edit, rumour has it that the two distilleries involved are Caol Ila (65% of the product) and Laphroaig (35% of the product). It is written on the box that there is one distillery from the south coast of Islay and another from the north, or several others. Some say that a third distillery is involved, but nothing is certain.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, airy and coastal Bourbon, with sea spray and tide, seaweed and kelp, mineral notes, a good hint of coarse salt and iodine. Behind that, vanilla honey, caramel and lemon, cake icing, brioche. Thick peat, of course, soot and tar, fuel oil and diesel. On the palate, it is smoother, slightly oily, green apples and citrus fruits, herbaceous peat, bandages, lively spices, cloves, cumin and black pepper. The finish is quite long and robust, shortbread biscuits, pebbles, sand, mud, rustic wood and salty peat. A mint leaf. 

 

In Short, 

To be honest, it's very similar to the Cask Edit, which I tasted just before. It's just more intense on the finish, and more marked by the Bourbon casks. I don't see what's really better than Cask Edit, except for the finish. On the contrary, the absence of sherry casks means there is less complexity and balance. The price is reasonable, even low, but I'm not thrilled with the product, so I don't know if I would recommend buying it. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ophelia Malory - Misunderstood

Elements of Islay Cask Edit

 

 

 

46°

Distilleries Officially Unknown - Islay

Refill Bourbon and Sherry Casks

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers

Core Range 

Blended Malt 

Launched in 2022 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 37 ppm

 

 

 

In 2022, the Elements of Islay range changed. No more Single Malts, which is a shame, as these little bottles with code names had a certain charm. And the Core Range is changing its name, and probably its recipe too. The Entry Level becomes Cask Edit, that's probably less scary than Peat, which was the old name. Rumour has it that this Blended Malt is a blend of Caol Ila and Laphroaig, which wouldn't surprise me at all. It's reduced, which makes it more drinkable, and there's no chill filtration or colouring. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Fairly dry smoke, earthy, white lime, sea spray, tide, foam, seaweed. But it is very lemony, with a good pinch of salt and a hint of vanilla. Mineral notes, pencil lead, a touch of soot. A drop of caramel and chocolate, piles of still-smoky ashes. On the palate, it is a bit sweeter, grape pulp, green apple, honey and resin. Spices are present but not too strong, black pepper, cumin. Fairly long finish, relatively calm, chimney fire, braised bacon, perhaps a medicinal touch, peppermint. 

 

In Short, 

Of course, it's just a small blend with a reasonable alcohol content, but it's nice. It's exactly what you'd expect, no more, no less: a good dose of peat and character, without complexity or excessive strength. The kind of thing that goes down quickly and easily. The price is often quite low, offering good value for money. 

Score : 86

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Mars Red Sky - Strong Reflection

Aberlour A'Bunadh Edition 1 Sherry Cask Collection

 

 

 

56,2°

Distillery : Aberlour - Speyside

1st Fill American Oak and Oloroso Sherry Casks, 1st Fill Oloroso and PX Sherry Finish

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Totally Unpeated

 

 

 

In 1998, Aberlour launched the A'Bunadh series, which would go down in whisky history. It is a cask strength whisky aged entirely in Oloroso sherry casks. It was a resounding success, with 84 batches released until 2024. That year, the series came to an end and was replaced by a new series, A'Bunadh Sherry Cask Collection, which was launched the following year, last October. Here is the very first batch. The difference with the original A'Bunadh seems to be that, this time, the maturation is not entirely in sherry casks. A few American oak casks are also used. However, the finish is 100% sherry. I have stated that it is also uncoloured, as some websites specify this, but I am not entirely convinced. I have no idea how many bottles have been produced. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is creamy and balanced, although the sherry is quite intense. A lovely woodiness to start with, followed by dried fruit, slightly candied, dates, red apples, cherries, raisins, soft toffee, Tatin tart sprinkled with cinnamon, chocolate sarments du Médoc with orange, candied ginger. On the palate, Belle Hélène pear and vanilla caramel, intense spices, nutmeg, cloves, apple compote. Powerful and very long finish, brown sugar wafers, fig biscuits, lemon tart. Slightly smoky wood, hazelnuts and cashews. 

 

In Short, 

A beautiful roundness, very indulgent, and a sherry that is not too overpowering, although very present. I find that it works very well, and is more balanced than some of the A'Bunadh whiskies from the old series, where the sherry was really very strong. The nose is very subtle and complex, but lacks a little depth. The palate is very good, and the finish is fantastic. I was really surprised by the quality of the product. However, the price is a little high for a non age-statement whisky. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                            Lil'Ed and The Blues Imperials - I Still Love You