Campbeltown Wednesday with 2,5 Hazelburn
Is Hazelburn the least popular (variant) single malt whisky made in Campbeltown? Everbody loves Springbank, and the peatheads put Longrow on a pedestal. Kilkerran has a following among those who like their Campbeltown malt a tad dirty, and of course Glen Scotia taps into those who like a more maritime edge. But the triple distilled Hazelburn? It is almost like a best kept secret. When done right, the enormous fruity potential of this triple distilled malt made at Springbank is second to none. We got three samples on the table today to dig into the brand. Or should I say, two and a half, as the first one is a mix.
First two samples provided by Bram from “Whisky at Number Nine” (highly recommended for specialised tastings) and the last sample by my good whisky pal Erik. Thanks!
Campbeltown Blended Malt 2008, bottled at 49,4 % abv by Cadenhead’s
First things first: Cameron’s Choice in the series Barrel Royale. My source tells me this is a blended malt consisting of Kilkerran and Hazelburn, both from a 2008 vintage, matured in bourbon barrels. The age is 17 years old, bottled in 2026.
Upon Sipping: Lovers of this style scooped up a load of bottles immediately, I was told. I can see why when I stick my nose in the glass. It opens on the classic limestone and chalk before getting distinctly more fruity. Lovely papaya, Irish pot still character, just an abundance of tropical smells. Like walking into a Turkish fresh produce store in Berlin, all these baskets of fruit presented to you, seducing you to buy more than you can actually eat. This whisky is much the same. The taste arrives with a dash of sugar in a lightly infused cup of tea. Then the palate gets covered in all sorts of tropical delights. Passion fruit, bitter mango, bright pineapple, some lychees and golden kiwi to finish it off. My oh my, this is special, well done Cameron! More Hazelburn than Kilkerran on this one, if you ask me, but there is a bitter, slightly dirty rub off on the finish that I can attribute to Kilkerran. Well balanced then. With water more bitter notes, so I would avoid it. The drinking strength does not call for it anyway. We do get more oranges with water, which feels classic Hazelburn.
Word to the Wise: Just stunning stuff. Not for the people who love their Campbeltown malts with a rough edge, as this one is all bright elegance and happy fruity character.
Score: 90 points.
Hazelburn 17 years old, bottled at 49,2 % abv
First things first: This is an Open Day bottling made in 2026 for the Campbeltown Malts Festival. This Hazelburn matured in oloroso sherry. In the format of 35 cl only 1772 bottles were released.
Upon Sipping: Another 17 years old, but that is where the comparison stops. Nosing this, I long for another glass of the blended malt. The oloroso puts quite a stamp on this Hazelburn. Hints of Asian cuisine, but also some sulphury notes, which do not really work well for me. There is a slight counterbalance with fruity notes from oranges and mushy cherries, but not really equal enough. The taste is a lot more pleasant, with a silky smooth arrival on the palate, nice sour notes and hints of all kinds of berries. The finish however kicks in with a vengeance, leaving a dry and rubbery taste in your mouth. I will stop right there.
Word to the Wise: Give me Hazelburn on bourbon any time. I am not a fan of the big sherry impact on this so beautiful and delicate triple distilled malt. The official 8 years old were also not my taste. Just a matter of preference, perhaps, but I do not think this works well.
Score: 82 points.
Hazelburn 2017, 8 years old, bottled at 55,6 % abv
First things first: “Duty Paid Sample – For Trade Purposes Only”, otherwise known as the Cage bottles. Distilled on 3 February 2017 and bottled on 18 June 2025. This Hazelburn matured in a fresh bourbon cask.
Upon Sipping: Back to bourbon after that oloroso interval. This is indeed very fresh, with lots of limestone, vanilla and tangerines. Classic Hazelburn, one might say, perhaps only a little bit too young on the nose. The mouthfeel is quite fat and oily, but delivers a lot of juices and this chalky taste. Closer to our blended malt now. Always this hint of olive brine that seems to belong to Hazelburn. It is starting to grow on me. With some water we unleash the true spirit of the triple distilled Springbank. Beautiful limestone amidst a Campbeltown garden in full bloom. It becomes fresher and fresher, like spring rain hitting the pavement after a warm day. The fresh vanilla is well integrated and remains subtle. I do not always appreciate when vanilla flavours take centre stage, but the combination with this spirit is excellent.
Word to the Wise: We are not far removed from the official 10 years old Hazelburn, which reminds me again what a stunning bottling that is. This Cage example turns out to be a raw ingredient of that core range bottling. I must find such a bottle for myself next time!
Score: 89 points.