Highland Park 1989/2012 Malts of Scotland

Those who want to keep up with Malts of Scotland, must dram at a serious pace. This summer, again a whole batch of bottlings from this German Indie were released, including this 23 Year Old Highland Park from 1989, their third from this Orcadian distillery.

While the nose is not very complex, it is very fresh and eager. A malty heart is surrounded by loads of white fruit (mostly pears) and a truckload of lemon. Freshly cut grass and a lot of mint. Toffee, too. Reminds me of waking up on a summer day, with the first rays of sunshine in your face through an open window. Phew, that is almost poetry. There is also a handful of salt present. Nice!

It is somewhat waxy on the palate. A lot of citrus again. The lemon is joined by its bitter colleague, grapefruit. Some lemon zest. White sugar. A hint of smoke, barely there. It remains very summer-like. Perfectly drinkable without water.

On the finish, which is fairly long, citrus still rules, but now the oak joins the conversation, giving it a mature edge. Fine stuff!

This is a grown up Highland Park that acts young. There is nothing wrong with that. Do not put this on the table when you are playing cards with friends or your 115 EUR will be gone before you know it.

Find where to buy Highland Park whisky