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 : 

 

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