Introduction

Hazelburn doesn't have the same media spotlight as some of its Campbeltown siblings, but I’ve always found the range worth seeking out—especially the limited releases. The moment I heard about the 2025 Hazelburn 8 Year Old matured entirely in Oloroso sherry casks, I knew I wanted to try it. Unpeated, triple-distilled, and aged in sherry wood—it’s an interesting combination that promised depth without the influence of smoke. I tend to go back and forth on youthful sherried malts, so I approached this one with curiosity and moderate expectations.

Nose

Right away, the nose is clean and nicely defined, with stewed red fruits up front—plums, dark cherries, and a bit of prune. There’s also a dry, nutty component that reminds me of walnut shells. Some leathery notes emerge after a few minutes in the glass, along with a touch of baking spice and damp wood. It’s not overly rich or over-oaked, which I appreciated. The sherry influence is there, but it doesn’t completely take over the malt character.

Palate

The mouthfeel lands on the dry side of the spectrum, with a good amount of grip. It begins with dusty cocoa, dry figs, and roasted coffee beans, followed by cracked black pepper and tree bark. That clean, nutty dryness from the nose carries through. It’s slightly austere, and there's a bitterness that borders on tannic in the mid-palate—more earthy than juicy. A bit of ginger and dried orange peel livens things up toward the end. Despite its youth, it doesn't feel raw or unfinished; it just leans more towards structure and dryness than sweetness.

Finish

The finish is medium to long, gradually fading with notes of clove, espresso, and faint char. There's also a subtle mineral quality I sometimes find in Campbeltown whiskies—something almost chalky or coastal on the tail end. That dry, almost leathery sherry character stays for quite a while. It’s warming and satisfying, though a touch more sweetness might have rounded it out a bit more.

Price and Value

Given that this was a limited bottling and fully matured in Oloroso casks, I found the price reasonable—especially for those who value the triple-distilled Hazelburn style. For me, the value here comes in its distinctiveness. It offers a different kind of sherried experience than the syrupy, high-octane malts you often find in this age bracket. If you’re after complexity rather than intensity, it’s worth looking into.

Background

Hazelburn is the unpeated, triple-distilled label from Springbank Distillery in Campbeltown. While the peated Longrow and flagship Springbank releases tend to draw more attention, Hazelburn brings its own identity to the table—lighter in body, but by no means lacking in flavour. This particular 8-year-old release was entirely matured in Oloroso sherry casks, bottled at cask strength. As with most Campbeltown whiskies, it’s presented without chill filtration or added colour. For those unfamiliar, Springbank is among the few remaining family-owned operations in Scotland, handling every aspect of production on-site—from malting to bottling.

Final Notes

Would I buy this bottle again? Probably yes, especially for the way it uses sherry without overindulgence. It’s a more restrained and thoughtful dram, which I’ve come to appreciate more over time. For newcomers to whisky, I think it might be a bit dry and bitter without enough sweetness to draw you in. But for someone looking for a sherry-matured malt that still lets the distillate express itself, it’s a rewarding pour.

It strikes the right mood for a quiet evening—maybe not a celebratory dram, but definitely one for slow reflection. When comparing it to other sherried Campbeltown releases, it feels more structured than seductive—which isn’t a flaw, just a stylistic distinction. Hazelburn continues to be a quietly compelling presence in the Springbank range, offering flavours that don’t try to impress too hard, yet leave a lasting impression.