Highland Park 22 Year Old 1992 The Nectar of the Daily Drams

I have had this one tucked away in my cabinet for quite a while, but today I’m going to give it a try. This Highland Park was bottled in 2016 for The Nectar’s tenth anniversary. It was distilled in 1992 and bottled at 50%

Oh, what a lovely nose! Immediately sweet with loads of citrus – zest included – and fresh heather, a very mineral side and something that reminds me of limeston with soft honey. Young mandarin, liquorice, quinine, green grapes (with pith!) and white chocolate. Well, that was fun!

It could have done with a bit more body, in my opinion. But the taste is good, very good. Nice continuation of the nose with spices that give it quite some oomph. Think pepper, liquorice, ginger. Some olive oil, nut oil and linseed oil. Lots of oils, I know. A salty element appears, much to my pleasure. The honey keeps it sweet enough.

The finish is nicely long on more of the same, with a good sweet smoke development, spiciness and depth. I do get the urge to reach for a glass of water now, though.

This is certainly not a typical Highland Park in my book (would never have recognized it blind) but very good indeed. But 350 EUR or more? Ouch! That, I cannot afford.

Find where to buy Highland Park whisky