Hazelburn – 2005 15 Year Old Duty Paid Sample (70cl, 53.4%)

Hazelburn – 2005 15 Year Old Duty Paid Sample is a whisky from Hazelburn (Campbeltown). Aged 15 years, bottled at 53.4% ABV, 70cl. For a period, Campbeltown was the undisputed Whisky Capital of the World, boasting over 30 distilleries operating simultaneously at its peak. Locally available peat, barley and coal, coupled with a quick steamship service to Glasgow meant this thriving industry lasted into the early 20th Century. Alas; ultimately (and perhaps inevitably) it proved unsustainable, and by 1935 the bubble had well and truly burst, with only Springbank and Glen Scotia distilleries remaining. With the first distillation taking place in 1997, Springbank’s triple distilled, un-peated Hazelburn expression was launched in 2005. Named after the original Hazelburn distillery, which was once the largest producing distillery in Campbeltown, and where the Grandfather of Japanese whisky, Masataka Taketsuru learned his trade; this light and fruity dram has proved a hit since its introduction. From behind the chicken wire at the back of the Cadenhead’s Shop in Campbeltown comes this one of a kind bottle.