Highland Park 1998

I am working feverishly on my summer vacation plans, so what better to sip than a vacation dram? That is why I am putting three Highland Park vintages for Travel Retail (although they can be obtained elsewhere as well) next to each other: the 1998, 1994 and 1990, all of them bottled in 2010. Let me start with the youngest, sporting a yellow label.

The nose is slightly mineraly (flints) and shows quite a bit of grain and caramel. Nice smokiness with that typical Orkney peat, with loads of heater. Honey makes it round, while mint keeps it fresh. The caramel evolves into toffee. Leave it long enough and you will even get some chocolat milk. Inviting.

On the palate, it is immediately obvious that this was mostly from sherry casks. Spicy on liquorice and cloves. Caramelized apple, hazelnuts, sweet malt and hints of coffee. Midpalate it turns slightly bitter.

The medium long finish continues mostly on salty liquorice and is pretty drying.

Lovely and friendly prices Highland Park. Around 40 EUR.

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