For the longest time Highland Park did not have a 10 Year Old, apart from a special release for Whisky Live London some five years ago. But since 2013 there is a 10 Year Old in half bottles. It was meant for the German and Dutch markets primarily and costs less than 20 EUR (but then this is only 350ml).
The nose is a nice mix of fruit on the one hand and some beautiful coastal elements on the other. The fruit is fresh with lemon, oranges and some peach, while the coastal side is heather, sweet peat (quite loud, actually), wet rocks, a sea breeze and some candle was. It has a green side as well. Thyme? Very accessible.
It is fresh and lively on the palate from the start. Again the citrus, but soon some apples and nuts kick in. But the peat, with a little salty streak, slowly but surely starts to dominate – which is not a set back! It is quite oily.
The finish is somewhat short on almonds and honey. A drop of olive oil?
This was a very pleasant surprise. Thanks, Pat!
Comment on @markjedi1's review