House of Hazelwood : Accelerator Brake 33 Year Old

Characteristics and tasting notes for the Accelerator Brake 33 Years Old by House of Hazelwood

Tasting

Appearance
A colour ranging from rich walnut to deep amber, with dark highlights that bear witness to its long interaction with oak. In the glass, long, thick, slow-moving legs herald a particularly viscous texture.

Nose
A walk through a damp autumn forest, blending undergrowth and fallen leaves, pierced by beautiful shafts of light. Interwoven are aromas of ripe black and red fruit, supple leather and a delicate touch of smoke. A distinctive roasted note of Oolong tea crowns this complex bouquet.

Palate
The attack surprises with its unexpected sweetness, evoking maple syrup and the indulgence of pecan pie. The palate is then coated with a silky, almost oily texture, giving way to deep flavours of dark chocolate, cocoa and ripe black fruit. The finish is long, moving from gentle spices to a minty freshness reminiscent of mint chocolates.

Pairings and tasting occasions
This exceptional spirit invites contemplation, ideally late in the evening. It pairs beautifully with chocolate and dried fruit desserts, a richly roasted speciality coffee, or a mild blue cheese served with black fruit jam. To appreciate its every nuance, serve it between 18 and 22°C in a tulip glass. Allow it to breathe for a few minutes; a few drops of water can help open up its rich aromatic palette.

Mixology
Although its rich, spicy profile can elevate classic cocktails such as the Rob Roy, the Blood & Sand or the Old Fashioned, this exceptional spirit reveals its full splendour when enjoyed neat, without embellishment.

Other characteristics
Bottled at cask strength, this blend displays a very subtle smoky note in the background. It is non-chill-filtered and free of added colouring, thereby preserving its natural oils.

A rare blended Scotch whisky of pastry-like richness by House of Hazelwood

House of Hazelwood: the Gordon family's confidential legacy
Officially launched in 2022, House of Hazelwood is a Scotch whisky brand dedicated to very old blends. It draws on the world's largest collection of aged Scotch whiskies, a liquid treasure built up over nearly a century. The brand belongs to House of Hazelwood Limited, itself part of the William Grant & Sons group and controlled by the Grant Gordon family, its current owner. A true in-house independent bottler, the house takes its name from the family residence near Dufftown, in Speyside. It stands out for a unique heritage-driven approach, showcasing private casks of the utmost rarity, carefully preserved over generations to offer limited editions of discreet luxury.

The Accelerator & The Brake 33 Years Old edition: a tribute to grain
The Accelerator Brake 33 Years Old edition is a tribute cuvée celebrating the story of two major figures of the Gordon family: Charles, nicknamed the Accelerator for his entrepreneurial daring, and Sandy, the Brake, known for his thoughtful caution. This Scotch whisky is part of the Legacy Collection and challenges the traditional codes of prestige blends.

Breaking with the usual conventions, this cuvée reverses the roles by placing a very old grain whisky from the Girvan distillery at the heart of its aromatic profile, while the malt plays a discreet supporting role. Aged for 33 long years, mainly in American white oak casks with a significant proportion of virgin oak, this spirit develops remarkable depth and complexity. This micro-blend is a true rarity on the market. It embodies the house's experimental philosophy, demonstrating that an extremely old grain whisky, when selected and blended with such precision, can rival the finest malts while retaining a textural and flavour identity all its own.