Whisky: Highland Park 10 Year (2008), Cask 7774 for K&L

Country/Region: Scotland/Islands

ABV: 61.6%

Cask: Refill Sherry Hogshead

Age:10 Years (Distilled 2008, Bottled 2019)

Nose: Sherry, smoke, and sea. Mellow maritime, mild brine, grilled fruits, strawberry, rhubarb, and heather.

Palate: Medium-bodied, maritime, coal smoke, leather, ripe berries, grilled fruits, roasted pumpkin seeds, and rhubarb.  Lingering ginger, white pepper, and strawberry jam at the end.

Finish: Long and lingering, slightly drying with salt, fruit, and subtle white pepper.

Score: 7

Mental Image: Grill Master does Dessert

Narrative & Notes: The aroma was rich with velvety smoke and sweet sherry cask notes. Maritime, though with a mild brine that was more salted margarita rim than a dip in the ocean, the initial gust of smoke parted to reveal grilled fruits, watermelon, strawberry, and rhubarb. Hints of dried grass and heather lingered in the background with ginger and leather. Medium-bodied, though slightly on the thick side, the palate was loaded with sweet maritime fruit and smoke. Rich and intense notes of coal smoke and leather hit first before fruitier notions of ripe berries, strawberries especially, appeared with tangerine, grilled watermelon, and roasted pumpkin seeds. Rhubarb and balsamic lingered around the edges, while the back end featured ginger, white pepper, and strawberry jam. The finish was long, much longer than I expected, and slightly drying with subtle notions of salt, white pepper, and grilled fruits.

Wow— I have been in an extended rut with Highland Park, unable to find a dram that spoke to me. The much-beloved distillery has felt like a constant missed connection as every time I tried one, I walked away a bit disappointed. As a result, I ended up with a stockpile of Highland Park samples. The last one I really loved came from SMWS and featured the delightful codename, “When Pineapple met Pigeon.” It featured a similar mellow maritime profile stuffed with fruit and tropical vibes.

Overall, a fantastic Highland Park, a return to glory, and I will keep an eye out for similar releases.

Image Credit: Whiskybase