House of Hazelwood has an exceptional 33-year-old Blended Scotch Whisky created in a rare collaboration with world-renowned whisky writer Dave Broom, aptly named The Accelerator & The Brake. Released alongside is an exclusive documentary celebrating the history of the Gordon Family – one of whisky’s foremost families; and the creation of the House of Hazelwood – the greatest inventory of aged Scotch whisky in the world.
The Accelerator & The Brake
The Accelerator & The Brake 33-Year-Old Blended Scotch challenges the very conventions of whisky-making. Under blender Eilidh Muir’s watchful eye, Broom selected a dynamic aged grain and an elegant malt, inverting their ratios with unexpected – and extraordinary – results. The aim was to celebrate the uniquely successful partnership of the Gordon brothers Charles and Sandy, who revolutionised the whisky industry throughout the second half of the 20th Century.
The whisky writer Dave Broom was invited to discover more about House of Hazelwood and through that process he uncovered unique stories about the two brothers. ‘The Accelerator’ and ‘The Brake’ were nicknames bestowed to Charles and Sandy Gordon by their employees, colleagues, and business associates. It was said that Charles Gordon was extremely driven and ambitious, whereas his brother and business counterpart was more measured and reserved. Together they represented the accelerator and brake, resulting in the perfect business partnership.
The whisky also has an unconventional maturation as it was aged in American White Oak casks with a component matured for a time in Virgin Oak. The result is a blend that is sweeter than you might first expect on the palate, with notes of heavy maple, pecan pie and a chocolate finish.
Accompanying the whisky, the exclusive 30-minute documentary sees Dave Broom delve into the history of House of Hazelwood through interviews with family members, as well as current and former colleagues. The five-part series explores bloodlines, whisky making, legacies and every aspect in between.
Dave Broom shares his wisdom
Dave Broom shares his personal tasting notes for this joint House of Hazelwood creation.
Appearance: Rich walnut
Nose: Autumnal Forest floor, yet with brightness and lift, then some oiliness. In time, dark berry fruit, a touch of leather, light smoke and roasted Oolong tea.
Palate: Sweeter than you might expect to start – heavy maple, pecan pie and, in time, chocolate. Clearly mature with rich black fruits, while the oiliness provides a silky texture. Real energy and power with no sign of fatigue.
Finish: Long. Ripe fruits, then intense spices that mellow into After Eight mints.
To discover more, visit: houseofhazelwood.com
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All imagery courtesy of House of Hazelwood.