Highland Park 18 Year Old 1988 for Bennachie

Bennachie is the name of a mountain range in Scotland, but also of a (no longer operational) independent bottler. They used to have their own ‘pure malts’ on the market (a 10 and 17 year old), but from time to time also bottled single casks. This Highland Park 1988 is a good example. The sherry cask yielded 528 bottles.

Sherry and peat – even Orkney peat – remains a difficult, but often great combination. The nose of this HP is dominated by dark fruit (plums, raisins and dades), dark chocolate, nut oil and chewing tobacco, upholstered with candied orange rind and woodsmoke. Nicely spiced as well. Aniseed, saffron and a hint of cinnamon. I get the feeling I am nosing this in a cow sty. Nice, nice, nice!

With this ABV, it comes as no surprise that it gives you a kick in the teeth. The saliva glands go into overdrive to compensate. That gives you wonderful notes of chocolate, nuts, blood oranges, cinnamon, liquorice and even some roast beef. But above all chewing tobacco. A salty and peaty edge reminds you that this is in fact Highland Park.

The finish is long enough to make you dream about your next trip to Scotland and how you then must truly visit this distillery.

Very lovely, but unfortunately as good as untraceable Highland Park. Big thanks to The Green Man for the sample!

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