Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12-Year-Old (Review)

History:

Considered to be a distillery steeped in tradition rather than set on profit margins, the Highland Park distillery has been making great whiskys since 1798. It is considered to be one of the most respected distilleries producing whisky today. Located up in picturesque Orkney, it isn’t actually named for being part of the Highlands (which Orkney is not). Instead it is named for its locale, an area called High Park.

The Whisky

This malt arrived to me in a clear bottle where the gentle caramel color can be clearly appreciated. The color reminds me of the dessert topping but the gentle swish in the bottle keeps me from fearing it has replaced my beloved malt.

Removing the cap, I take a breath of this aged Highland Park malt whisky. The breath is smoky but sweet. I can appreciate a subtle hint of malt and oak in the smoky scent. The sweetness reminds me of apples and heather (which is a trademark of the Highland Park brand).

On the palate, this malt is slippery smooth. The malt is warm but not fiery. It slips over the tongue like silk. The malt flavor is intense at the start, but is tempered by the smoky dryness I had caught a whiff of before. The smokiness lingers until the arrival of that sweet heather honey. Once you have taken the sip, this malt leaves a long lasting taste. It fades away with a smoky heather spiciness.

This is a sweet, smoky and smooth malt from the Highlands. The balance is just right and this is certainly a winner.

Price Tag: $40-50

Other Notes: Highland Park has had a 21-year single malt named The Best Spirit in the World (twice). They have also received double gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2007 and 2009.


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