Introducing The Accelerator and The Brake, a new aged Blended Scotch Whisky produced in collaboration with whisky writer, Dave Broom.
We are delighted to unveil 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 the new expression 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 and 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.
Dave explains how the nature of the two brothers inspired him to create a unique blend:
“This whisky captures the essence of the relationship between the two brothers. As I uncovered the history behind the House of Hazelwood, I wanted to create a whisky which reflected their complimentary personalities. Working with Eilidh Muir from the blending team, she helped to create what I believe is a truly brilliant example of blending with every element working together. I wasn’t sure if inverting the classic blending model would work, but with Eilidh’s guidance we found that by using a majority of malt and a smaller parcel of grain it has resulted in an exceptional blend that gives balance and complexity but in an unusual formulation – the dynamic grain driving flavour and the malt acting as the quiet partner.”
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 in time chocolate. Commenting on the whisky flavour, Dave said:
“It’s clearly a mature whisky with rich black fruits while the oiliness provides a silky texture. The finish is long with intense spices that mellow into After Eight mints. Overall, it has a real energy and shows no sign of fatigue.”
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.
The Accelerator and The Brake Blended Scotch Whisky – Tasting Notes
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.
