Highland Park 25 Year Old 1988/2013, Cadenhead's Small Batch

Nose: Nuts, pounds of pecans, and varnished old leather straps fill out the first layer. Then tehre are a few notes of purple sherry - figs, dates, plums, a dash of salt, and familiar territory. Rather some of the Highland Park characteristics shining through: sweet heather mixed with some dense cherry liqueur and syrup, and, oh yes, coffee! A little digestif with a drop of sherry, and flakes of shaved, dried chocolate on the side. (with water) More clearly varnished and sweet. Purple and flowery candy shop. Almost cut jelly beans and cotton candy. A little coffee, though it's all far less distinct for any actual note.

Palate: Immediately this is thickly honeyed and with a sticky oil quality. Smoked. Gently. Hooray for HP! Very much on leather and varnish, turning quickly to much bigger espresso. Drier here, and back to candied pralines and pecans (more the latter), with just a hint of chocolate covered figs, grapes, and prune (also all chocolate covered). (with water) Honey and heather! Light smoke and topped off with creamy sherry, toasted cherry, and more purple. Thinner, and it still all turns to coffee, varnish, and a dry edge to the fruit.

Finish: Heavily and richly sherried, and the typical HP notes manage to show themselves. Actual off-sweet sherry with marginal fruit notes, leather, and coffee persist. Oak is just perfect, influencing and driving the flavors without being prominent.

Find where to buy Highland Park whisky