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I have written about the House of Hazelwood extensively before. On this occasion, I thought it would be interesting to interview Jonathan Gibson, a director of House of Hazelwood to find out how they curated this, their third, extraordinary collection of whiskies. My tasting notes are below the interview. 

Roughly how many barrels were tasted before selecting the whiskies included in this collection?

Steinway & Sons, a name synonymous with the finest pianos on the planet, have been crafting their instruments for over a century and a half. With factories in Hamburg, Germany, and New York, Steinway pianos are the epitome of quality and craftsmanship, loved by musicians and piano aficionados worldwide. My recent visit to their Hamburg factory demonstrated to me just how meticulous their craftsmanship is, their extraordinary pursuit of excellence and the use of innovative technology in an analogue instrument. 

Old Pulteney, known as the "Maritime Malt," is located in the northern Scottish town of Wick. When I saw Northern I really mean it, being a mere 16 miles from John o' Groats. The distillery is deeply intertwined with the maritime heritage of this historic port, as I discovered on a recent visit.

Glen Scotia Campbeltown Malts 2024 edition - £64.95 from Master of Malt

Method & Madness Amburana Finish

A brainchild of Midleton Distillery in Ireland, Method and Madness was started in 2017. It embodies the maverick persona within me, that I would pursue if I had the funds to start a distillery. The brand veers away from tradition, embracing experimentation in a way that resonates with my love for exploring flavours. For me, whisky is about the exploration of flavour, and Method and Madness delivers this in abundance.

Having travelled to Budapest on numerous occasions since 1998, I still get that frisson of excitement when viewing one of the world’s great city panoramas from the window-seat of a yellow tram, which criss-cross the Danube River numerous times each day. Or indeed, aboard a sightseeing cruise boat, arguably the best way to admire Széchenyi Chain Bridge and the Liberty Statue on the Gellért Hill.

The Whisky Event

One of my favourite whisky events of the year takes place in The Great Room at the JW Marriott Grosvenor House Hotel, Park Lane on the 2nd June. Over 60 exhibitors will be present with over 600 whiskies to taste. Unlike other events, the quality of the whisky here is always exceptional, with many fine and rare bottles shared by the distilleries and Independent Bottlers. One of the highlights of the evening is the food - a lavish Kosher buffet that is included in the entry price of £100 (£180 for two people).

The uniqueness of Glenturret and Last Drop Distillers lies in their unwavering commitment to quality over quantity. Glenturret, releases far fewer bottles than many of its contemporaries, and is now firmly positioned in the luxury end of the market. Last Drop Distillers, holds the philosophy that great whisky should be savoured like a time capsule. They source their spirits from the rarest stocks and most prestigious distilleries, unearthing treasures that might otherwise be forgotten. 

The global spirits industry is witnessing a significant shift towards premiumisation, with consumers increasingly seeking out unique, high-quality products with authentic stories. This trend is particularly pronounced in whisky, where there is a growing appreciation for craft spirits that offer something beyond the mainstream offerings. Arbikie’s launch of Scottish rye fits squarely within this narrative.