Hazelburn 10 vs Springbank 10

Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 05:57 pm

Explore variations between Hazelburn 10 and Springbank 10 in my comparison to choose your preferred Single Malt!

Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.

Written by: J Highland

Hazelburn 10 vs Springbank 10: Comparison

Hazelburn 10: Unpeated, triple-distilled with apple, pear, and marzipan notes. Add water to smooth out. 46% ABV. Distinctive for its complex, fruity profile within Campbeltown.

Springbank 10: Smooth, subtle smoke with malt, citrus, and brine. Balanced complexity. 46% ABV. Offers a unique blend of smoke, fruit, and maritime flavors, with a subtle peat touch.

Verdict: Both Hazelburn 10 and Springbank 10 stand out in Campbeltown’s whisky scene. Hazelburn is celebrated for its refined, unpeated character, while Springbank offers a balanced mix of smoke and complexity. Each presents a distinct expression of the region’s versatile distilling heritage, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

Related: Top 10-Year Single Malt Scotch Whiskies

Hazelburn 10: A Unique Campbeltown Single Malt

• Nose: Apple, pear, orange, caramel, honey
• Palate: Apple, pear, marzipan, orange
• Finish: Medium, caramel, oak spice
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Longrow Peated

Hazelburn 10 is a single malt Scotch whisky known for its distinctive character and uncommon complexity within the Campbeltown region.

On the nose, it offers enticing fruity aromas of apples and pears, intertwined with subtle hints of caramel, honey, and orange. The palate is well-rounded, delivering a pleasant mouthfeel thanks to its sufficient body.

Flavor-wise, Hazelburn 10 presents a delightful combination of apple, pear, and marzipan notes, followed by a touch of slightly bitter orange. The finish lingers pleasantly with hints of caramel, a whisper of oak spice, and a touch of warmth, leaving a satisfying conclusion.

Interestingly, adding a drop of water further reveals the caramel and oak notes, while also softening the slight warmth for a smoother experience.

Overall, Hazelburn 10 offers an intriguing and complex tasting journey, standing out from the typical Campbeltown expressions. While it may contain a touch of warmth, a dash of water can easily tame it.

It’s important to note that Hazelburn 10 might not be the most budget-friendly option, as it reflects the distillery’s typical pricing strategy. However, its unique character and flavor profile might just be worth the investment for curious whisky enthusiasts.

Here’s a quick look at Hazelburn 10’s key features:

• Aged in bourbon barrels for 10 years.
• Undergoes a unique triple distillation process.
• Unpeated for a clean and mellow taste.
• Unfiltered and uncolored for a natural expression.

Exploring Springbank 10: A Smooth and Complex Single Malt

• Nose: Oak, baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, smoke
• Palate: Malt, citrus, berries, brine, marzipan
• Finish: Smoke, toasted barley, caramel
• Alcohol content: 92 proof (46% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Benromach 10

Springbank 10 is a single malt Scotch whisky known for its smooth taste and intriguing complexity.

Aromas of oak, baking spice, ripe fruit, honey, and a touch of smoke greet your nose, while the palate is full-bodied and creamy, delivering flavors of malt, citrus, berries, brine, and marzipan. The finish is pleasant and satisfying, with subtle smoke, toasted barley, and caramel notes.

Compared to bolder Islay whiskies like Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10, Springbank 10 is considerably smoother with a more subtle smoke presence. It also offers greater depth and unique flavor notes compared to typical Speyside expressions like Glenfiddich 12 or Glenlivet 12.

Here are some additional facts about Springbank 10:

• Aged for 10 years in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks.
• Naturally colored.
• Unfiltered.
• Undergoes a unique 2.5-time distillation process.

While Springbank 10 may be slightly pricier compared to other 10-year-old whiskies, its smoothness, complexity, and unique character make it a worthwhile choice for many whisky enthusiasts.

What do Hazelburn and Springbank have in common?

These whiskeys and the Longrow are crafted at the Springbank distillery in Campbeltown.

Each release goes through different barrel management, distillation techniques, and peating levels, making them sufficiently different while keeping things interesting.

What are the differences between Hazelburn and Springbank?

1. Hazelburn is triple distilled, and the Springbank is distilled 2.5 times.
2. Hazelburn is unpeated, and Springbank is moderately peated.
3. Hazelburn is aged exclusively in bourbon barrels, while Springbank combines bourbon and sherry casks.

Price comparison

Prices are approximate and stated in USD:

Whisky	Price
Hazelburn 10	$80
Springbank 10	$80