Hazelburn 1998 Al (Alchemist)

This is a Hazelburn single malt, chosen and bottled by Alchemist, an 8 year old from 1998 and bottled at 46%. In Mitchell family hands since 1828, Springbank is a family distillery that malts and bottles every drop on site. Campbeltown was its own protected whisky region long before the revival.

The spirit was triple distilled from unpeated, floor malted barley, and slowly worm tub cooled. It rested in ex-Bourbon oak, the wood adding a light honeyed sweetness. At this age the spirit is fresh and creamy, the orchard fruit bright. A patient maturation suits the soft, creamy Hazelburn character. The maritime warehouses by the sea lend the malt its briny, oily depth. A 1940s Porteus mill and an open iron mash tun are part of the old setup. The Mitchell family has held the distillery for five generations. The town and the sea run through every cask of the make. The sea loch at the foot of the town shapes the coastal character of the malt.

At 46% it is soft, oily and coastal. Vanilla, honey and coconut meets a light, creamy orchard fruit. A gentle fruit and a creamy malt give it charm. Soft fruit and cream see out the finish. This is a light, creamy Campbeltown malt.