Springbank distillery produces three single malt brands and of these, the Hazelburn is perhaps most unique in that it is one of the few whiskies produced in Scotland that are distilled three times (far more normal for their brethren whiskies across the water in Ireland). Distilling an extra time can remove more of what is often described as the “burn” provided by the alcohol in a scotch. Another unusual twist to this scotch is the maturation. While it is not uncommon to finish a whisky in another cask near the end of its aging for a few months or a year to give it additional character, this expression spent the entirety of its maturation in fresh ex-Oloroso casks.
Glen Garioch 1797 Founder’s Reserve
The 1797 is the essential Glen Garioch (pronounced geery in the local dialect), the 1797 denoting when the distillery was founded. They have a lot to be proud of, despite some setbacks along the way. Though owned by the large spirits company Suntory, this distillery continues making its whisky in small unique batches as it has done for over two centuries. The Glen Garioch 12 year was one of our first reviews, so we were eager to see what time and experience has wrought.