NV House of Hazelwood, A Breath of Fresh Air, Legacy Collection (46.4%)

A Breath of Fresh Air is a rare, blended grain whisky from the Gordon family’s (of William Grant and Son’s) personal archives. After 37 years slumbering in one of the most extraordinary whisky libraries in the world, this rare liquid was bottled and released under the House of Hazelwood name. Every element of apple pie is present in this whisky, from shortcrust pastry, stewed Bramley apples with sultanas and cinnamon to fresh custard, crème caramel, toffee apples and shortbread. Peaches, nectarine and mirabelle eau de vie lead to dried apricots, mango and crystallised ginger. On the palate, initial Sauternes richness leads to russet apples, caramelised pears, Norman cider, pommeau and a drop of golden syrup. If you didn’t know otherwise, then you could easily be convinced this is very old, yet vibrant, Calvados. There is superb balance – bright and fresh throughout. The finish is structured and very elegant with well-integrated spice and dried, golden fruits.