House of Hazelwood The Charles Gordon Collection 44 year old The Unknown, 43.3%

Distilled in 1978, blended in 1989, and then matured in a refill butt, this is quite oaky on the nose, with dark toffee, dark roasted spices, treacle sponge pudding, and espresso. The palate has heather honey, vanilla, toffee, dried fruit, apple, and gentle spices, then hands the reins over to black grape, chocolate, and oak. Given the quality of the range, this is very good, but not exceptional. (143 bottles, 47 for the U.S.)