Highland Park Distillery
Aged 12 Years Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Scotland, United Kingdom
This isn't the same as I remember when I first had it years ago; it was a friendlier middle ground between brooding pleated single malts from Islay and the rich ad opulent Speysides. My guess is reduced sherry cask influence (reducing costs). In turn this now drinks more like my favorite smoky Islay malts. If you enjoy Glenfiddich, this could be ifs punishing big brother. Nice color and concentration from what sherry cask is used; rich and very earthy. The nose is its weak point, somehow off, not enticing. Even the Islay malts that drink like Motor oil smell majestic by comparison. I still vouch for this bottle and for encourage people to ween themselves off of hot bourbons and JW Black Label and step up for this.
This isn't the same as I remember when I first had it years ago; it was a friendlier middle ground between brooding pleated single malts from Islay and the rich ad opulent Speysides. My guess is reduced sherry cask influence (reducing costs). In turn this now drinks more like my favorite smoky Islay malts. If you enjoy Glenfiddich, this could be ifs punishing big brother. Nice color and concentration from what sherry cask is used; rich and very earthy. The nose is its weak point, somehow off, not enticing. Even the Islay malts that drink like Motor oil smell majestic by comparison. I still vouch for this bottle and for encourage people to ween themselves off of hot bourbons and JW Black Label and step up for this.
2 people found it helpfulMar 12th, 2013
Lately, I've been on the lookout for a single malt from Islay that I could get into, because in the past I havent enjoyed peat and smoke. I took a recommendation from a colleague and brought home a bottle of Highland Park, which was a perfect segway into peat. Most of the peat was for aromatics, along with a dab of smoke, ocean spray(NOT THE JUICE), and sweet fruits. The pallet was a little hot, but with a light dose of filtered water, things evened out perfectly. Due to being finished in sherry casks, the pallet shows equal part honey, cherry, nutmeg, and on the other side smoked chocolate and herbaceous peat undertones. The finish is delightful and smooth. Next try will be something with a little more peat and less sweet!
$42.99
Lately, I've been on the lookout for a single malt from Islay that I could get into, because in the past I havent enjoyed peat and smoke. I took a recommendation from a colleague and brought home a bottle of Highland Park, which was a perfect segway into peat. Most of the peat was for aromatics, along with a dab of smoke, ocean spray(NOT THE JUICE), and sweet fruits. The pallet was a little hot, but with a light dose of filtered water, things evened out perfectly. Due to being finished in sherry casks, the pallet shows equal part honey, cherry, nutmeg, and on the other side smoked chocolate and herbaceous peat undertones. The finish is delightful and smooth. Next try will be something with a little more peat and less sweet!
$42.99
Soft, sweet, with a big and bold smoke finish. Nice.
Soft, sweet, with a big and bold smoke finish. Nice.
Feb 1st, 2015
By far the star of our Burns night dinner. Not overly peaty with a very nice briny sea air character.
By far the star of our Burns night dinner. Not overly peaty with a very nice briny sea air character.
Jan 25th, 2015
Nose of baked apple dipped in vodka, with hint of peat and menthol, and a touch of oily aldehyde. Taste is surprisingly smooth. Nice honey flowering note, just a tiny bit of spice and zest, some stringent gasoline, and wood chips. What a smooth beauty as a young bottle. I will have her every evening.
Nose of baked apple dipped in vodka, with hint of peat and menthol, and a touch of oily aldehyde. Taste is surprisingly smooth. Nice honey flowering note, just a tiny bit of spice and zest, some stringent gasoline, and wood chips. What a smooth beauty as a young bottle. I will have her every evening.
Sep 25th, 2017
Honey followed by wisp of smoldering campfire. The perfect balance of everything?
Honey followed by wisp of smoldering campfire. The perfect balance of everything?
Sep 1st, 2016
Solid 12 year old. Smooth. Not very smokey. Sweet and carmel. I hear the 15 is awesome. Cant wait to try it.
Solid 12 year old. Smooth. Not very smokey. Sweet and carmel. I hear the 15 is awesome. Cant wait to try it.
Jan 26th, 2016