The Cask Trials (House of Hazelwood)

The Cask Trials (House of Hazelwood), 53 YO, 49.2%

This is a single grain whisky released by House of Hazelwood. The name of the distillery is not disclosed. Distilled all the way back in 1968, and matured in a single European oak ex-sherry butt. This unique expression is limited to 303 bottles.

The Cask Trials (House of Hazelwood) was selling for GBP 3800, but is now sold out.

Nose: Super intense and delightfully rich and complex. Resinous and mysterious, with raisins, figs and dates. So deeply, darkly sweet that the nose almost feels sticky, if you can believe it. I mean that as a compliment, be assured of that. With time, white pepper, old leather and hints of sun-warmed, dry oak emerge. Given even more time, dark chocolate and honey cake hot from the oven join the feast.

Taste: Full bodied and even more intense, concentrated and complex than the nose. Again, dried fruits dominate, figs and dates in particular. Sticky, decadent honey adds to the immense richness and almost syrupy character.

Finish: Very, very long. Darker still, sweeter still, more enticing still. This whisky is downright seductive. Dried fruits, mellow sugary sweetness, the soft tingle of exotic spices, cigar box and tobacco leaf, white chocolate, dried orange peel and the barest hint of beeswax all dance on the tongue in perfect harmony. There are whispers of oak, certainly, but the oak never interferes. Instead, it lifts the whole experience another level or three. So rich and thick it is almost syrupy in consistency.

Comment: Simply wow!

Score 95/100

Sláinte!
-Thomas