Dining

House of Hazelwood debuts Calm Waters 30+ Year Old blended whisky, and its price is surprising

House of Hazelwood Calm Waters Bottle on River Spey

House of Hazelwood has expanded its Legacy Collection with a limited-edition Scotch that draws inspiration from the River Spey and offers whisky enthusiasts the chance to experience a mature House of Hazelwood expression at a comparatively accessible price.

Distilled in 1992 and matured for more than 30 years, Calm Waters is a blended malt created from a marriage of mature Speyside whiskies. The constituent malts have spent their time in a combination of first-fill and refill sherry butts. Bottled at a natural strength of 52.1% ABV, the release comprises just 297 bottles worldwide.

One of the more notable aspects of this release is its pricing. Selling for £950, Calm Waters represents one of the most accessible opportunities to acquire a vintage House of Hazelwood expression.

Distilled in 1992 and matured for more than 30 years, Calm Waters is a blended malt created from a marriage of mature Speyside whiskies…

Inspired by the Spey, matured for 30+ years

Calm Waters takes its name from the River Spey, whose seemingly tranquil surface conceals a powerful current beneath. House of Hazelwood says that same sense of restrained strength is reflected in the whisky itself, combining elegance with depth and a character that gradually reveals itself over time.

Jonathan Gibson, director of House of Hazelwood, believes the release captures the philosophy behind the family’s extensive whisky reserves.

“Calm Waters is a perfect reflection of the quiet strength that defines so many of the whiskies within our inventory, a spirit that evolves gently yet reveals remarkable depth over time. It is a testament to both the character of Speyside malts and the enduring philosophy that whisky is ready only when it’s ready.”

The release of Calm Waters continues the House of Hazelwood Legacy Collection, which showcases rare parcels drawn from the Gordon family’s remarkable inventory of ageing Scotch whisky. Built over almost a century, the collection spans seven decades of whisky-making and includes casks sourced from across Scotland, many representing distilleries, production methods and maturation styles that can never be recreated.

House of Hazelwood Calm Waters tasting notes

Extended maturation in sherry casks has given Calm Waters a rich aromatic profile. On the nose, the liquid is said to open with treacle toffee and liquorice, layered over an intricate herbal character with notes of fennel and linseed adding freshness.

The palate is full-bodied and richly textured, coating the mouth with sweet dark flavours before developing increasing herbal depth and complexity. The finish is noted as exceptionally long, lingering gracefully with remarkable persistence.

Calm Waters 1992 Blended Malt Scotch Whisky is available now from House of Hazelwood, priced at £950. 

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About Steve May

Creator of Home Cinema Choice magazine, and Editor of The Luxe Review, Steve muses and reviews for Trusted Reviews, T3, Home Cinema Choice, Games Radar, Good Housekeeping, Louder Sounds, StereoNet and Boat International. He’s also the editor of professional home cinema website Inside CI. He's on Twitter/X, Tiktok and Instagram as @SteveMay_UK