Whisky Review/Tasting: Hazelwood 18 Years

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: The Hazelwood 18 Years is a product of the William Grant & Sons family, associated with the Glenfiddich distillery complex which also includes Balvenie and Kininvie.
Type: Blended Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: This whisky incorporates single malt from Kininvie, the lively toffee and vanilla character of Girvan single grain, and selected single malts from the family's private reserves. It is aged for 18 years, suggesting a mix of maturation processes, likely in refill casks given its light color.
Age Statement: 18 years.
Physical Description: The whisky is noted for its light color, which is artificially colored for batch consistency. The bottle design is inspired by 1920s Art Deco, particularly from Paris, and features a unique glass stopper.

Nose: A vibrant vanilla sweetness with a layer of delicate oak.
Taste: An elegant creamy toffee taste complemented by soft oak undertones and a refined finish. Initial sips reveal a fruity nose with a sweet edge, and gentle vanilla aromas that develop over time.
Aftertaste: Long and well-balanced, with a friendly oakiness and no bitterness from the casks.

The Hazelwood 18 Years is named in honor of Janet Sheed Roberts, the granddaughter of William Grant, founder of the company. Her epic life spanned 111 years, influencing five generations of Grant's whisky distilling.
The House of Hazelwood is named after Roberts' home in Dufftown and signifies the family's admiration for her. The whisky is conceived by master blender Brian Kingsman with a focus on showcasing the floral elegance of Kininvie malt and the vanilla character of Girvan grain.

The whisky embodies the heritage and legacy of the William Grant & Sons family, highlighting their continued private ownership and dedication to the craft.
The design of the bottle draws inspiration from the Art Deco movement of the 1920s, particularly in Paris, reflecting a blend of tradition and artistic expression.

Horst Luening, the mastertaster, appreciates the whisky's complex fruity and gently vanilla flavor profile, noting its departure from typical vanilla toffee tones.
Luening questions the value proposition of the whisky, considering its price point relative to its offering as an extension of the typical Grant's blend to higher ages and quality.

Hazelwood 18 Years is a blended Scotch whisky with a rich heritage linked to the William Grant & Sons family.
It features a complex flavor profile with vanilla sweetness, creamy toffee, and soft oak undertones.
The whisky pays homage to Janet Sheed Roberts, reflecting her influence on the family's distilling legacy.
Its bottle design is inspired by 1920s Art Deco, adding a unique aesthetic appeal.
Expert opinions highlight the whisky's unique flavor profile and question its price value.

Whisky Enthusiasts: Those with a deep appreciation for the history and legacy behind a whisky will find Hazelwood 18 Years particularly engaging due to its rich backstory.
Art Deco Admirers: Individuals who appreciate the aesthetic and historical significance of bottle design might be drawn to this whisky for its unique Art Deco-inspired bottle.
Blended Scotch Lovers: Whisky drinkers who enjoy exploring complex blends with a balance of malt and grain characters will likely enjoy the Hazelwood 18 Years.
Collectors: Given its unique story, limited availability, and distinctive packaging, collectors looking for special editions to add to their collection might be particularly interested.