2026 Charles Gordon Collection from House of Hazelwood: Honest Verdict and Tasting Notes
By
Jeremy Webb
on
28th April 2026
Jeremy Webb taste tests four new iterations from the Scotch whisky brand.
Four unique whiskies have been brought together by House of Hazelwood to form the special Charles Gordon Collection. Distinguished Scotch Whiskies ranging from 45 to 47 years old that will delight the drinker. Jeremy Webb recently had the pleasure of sampling each of the four historic whiskies. Below, read his honest verdict.
House of Hazelwood produces pedigree whiskies, and for 2026, they have created a new collection from their historical stock of premium-aged bottles. Four distinct whiskies continue the distiller's legacy and provide an insight into Scotch whisky history. The company follows the philosophy of Charles Gordon, son of the original Mr Gordon, who believed whisky is "ready when it is ready", so nothing is rushed. An extremely rare 1977 Single Grain from the pioneering days of Girvan has been introduced to the collection and is the first peaty blended Scotch.
In response to overwhelming global demand for House of Hazelwood's initial three collections, which included eight distinguished bottlings such as Blended at Birth, The First Drop, A Singular Blend, and The Unknown, all of which have now reached sold-out status, the company is excited to announce the upcoming 2026 release.
The Charles Gordon collection promises to build on that remarkable success. Four highly limited expressions sourced from the Gordon family's treasured inventory have been meticulously crafted to offer an unparalleled tasting experience, continuing the legacy of quality and innovation the brand is known for.
The Charles Gordon Collection:
A Different World - 1977 Single Grain Scotch Whisky
A Different World transports you to a different era, when Girvan was still using maise and distilling on traditional apparatus. It led to the emergence of remarkable flavours no longer seen in grain whiskies today. Distilled on Girvan's original 'one apps' still, the remarkable Single Grain reveals a distinctive thyme character. It is unlike anything the company has seen before, boasting pronounced green notes that mature into an elegant, herbaceous complexity that is both unexpected and rewarding. These notes come from the whisky being in a first-fill sherry butt for 48 years.
Tasting Notes:
The aroma greets you with an exquisite, nuanced sherry influence, infused with hints of fragrant thyme that dance effortlessly in the background. A delightful sherbet sweetness emerges, becoming more pronounced when a splash of water is introduced. On the palate, the experience is lush and enveloping, characterised by rich oak tones that are perfectly balanced with delicate spices. As you savour each sip, the thyme notes weave through the flavour profile, leading into the gentle herbal tea essence that lingers in the aftertaste. This is a truly unique offering, a rare gem from a bygone era of distillation that captivates the senses in a way that is unlikely to be replicated.
A Different World – 1977 Single Grain Scotch Whisky, 48 Years Old, 57.2% ABV, 219 bottles worldwide, UK RRSP £3,200
The Silent Partner – 47-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky
The first peated Blended Scotch from House of Hazelwood, this blend showcases subtle mastery by combining sweet Lowland grain whisky with Highland malts matured in American and European oak. A whisper of peat from a Highland distillery still using traditional methods in the 1970s lends lingering depth and intrigue, with the smoke used almost as a seasoning by the blending team.
Tasting Notes:
Upon first whiff, this creation enchants with its beautifully delicate and evocative nature, presenting an initial wave of heather blossom sweetness that dances playfully on the senses. The nose is greeted by a captivating bouquet of dried summer flowers, each petal contributing to a fragrant tapestry that lingers in the air.
As it graces the palate, the elegant floral character unfolds in layered complexity, revealing subtle perfumed notes that tantalise and intrigue. These exquisite florals are artfully complemented by a gentle whisper of smoke, adding depth and an unexpected twist. This harmonious interplay builds towards a velvety finish, marked by a lingering sweetness that leaves a lasting impression, inviting you to savour every moment.
The Silent Partner – 47-Year-Old Blended Scotch Whisky, 46.7% ABV, 228 bottles worldwide, UK RRSP £3,300.
A Fond Farewell – 46-Year-Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky
Drawn exclusively from the family's rare 'Hogmanay casks', filled each New Year's Eve in the 1970s to mark the passing of the year, this whisky offers a richly spiced, warming profile that beautifully encapsulates the passing of time and the spirit of celebration. The tradition of filling casks on Hogmanay has now sadly ceased, making this release not only a remarkable liquid but also a memory of a bygone era.
Tasting Notes:
The aroma is rich and layered, enveloping the senses with a mouthwatering, syrupy essence reminiscent of thick, sticky jam. This inviting bouquet is further accentuated by a touch of brown sugar, the warm, nostalgic notes of treacle scones, and the delightful richness of Dundee cake, all intertwined with a subtle hint of spiced ginger wine that dances in the background. As the experience unfolds on the palate, an elegant oaky character emerges, revealing deeper complexities with each sip. The flavours harmoniously intertwine, showcasing a beautifully balanced interplay of sweetness, oak, and warm spice that lingers delightfully, encapsulating a festive spirit of indulgence.
A Fond Farewell – 46-Year-Old Blended Malt Scotch Whisky, 43.8% ABV, 252 bottles worldwide, UK RRSP £4,000
An Organised Whole – 45-Year-Old Blended Malt Whisky
Crafted from varying Highland distillery profiles and matured in both hogsheads and sherry butts, this malt is a fine example of complex layers that can be achieved through the artistry of blending. It delivers an interplay of rich sherried depth and soft American oak sweetness - a harmony that's truly greater than the sum of its parts.
Tasting Notes:
The nose presents an enchanting tapestry of aromas, overflowing with richness and complexity. It invites you in with the warm, inviting sweetness of muscovado sugar interlaced with the velvety notes of soft caramel, creating an irresistible bouquet. As you take a sip, this opulent character unfolds on the palate, offering a luxurious, mouth-coating texture that feels delightfully oily. The flavour dances vibrantly, balancing zesty sherbet with the nuanced grip of oak tannins, crafting a lively experience that tantalises the senses.
This expression is a masterful blend of Highland malt whiskies, each contributing its unique charm. The sherry-forward profile is complemented by a captivating sweetness, resulting in a depth of character that stands out from the crowd. It's a beautifully orchestrated showcase that highlights the distinct merits of each component, harmonising them into a memorable whisky experience.
An Organised Whole –45-Year-Old Blended Malt Whisky, 47.3% ABV, 267 bottles worldwide, UK RRSP £3,200
Of the new collection, Jonathan Gibson, Director, House of Hazelwood, said, "Each one of these remarkable releases tells a story that could only belong to the House of Hazelwood - decades of patience, tradition, and quiet innovation bottled in their purest form.”
He continued," As with the previous collections, these are the most compelling whiskies that the Gordon family inventory has to offer — a bridge between the past and the present, each parcel remarkable by virtue of its character, its history, or its method of production. The 2026 Collection captures the essence of what makes House of Hazelwood unique: it celebrates both the delicate interplay between cask and spirit and the courage to wait."
Prices range from £3,200 RRSP to £4,000 RRSP, and all expressions are released in limited quantities of fewer than 300 bottles worldwide.
About House of Hazelwood
For almost one hundred years, generations of the Gordon family have carefully laid down stocks of whisky for special occasions and personal consumption. This rare collection has become known as the House of Hazelwood, after the family's Dufftown home, Hazelwood House.
Today, the House of Hazelwood collection has grown into the world's largest inventory of aged Scotch whisky. Spanning seven decades and every corner of Scotland, the diverse whiskies held in cask tell stories of remarkable places, lost ways of working, first casks, last casks, the ambitions, and achievements of several lifetimes – none of which will be repeated.
The House of Hazelwood inventory is held in several carefully selected warehouses across Scotland, with fresh stocks laid down each year. Before bottling, a small proportion of the stocks is held in traditional dunnage warehousing near Dufftown in Speyside, from where they are carefully monitored and sampled before release.
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