Highland Park 8 Year Old b. 1970s

Even though this Highland Park is only 8 years old, in terms of distillation year it’s probably the oldest I have tried so far. It’s an official release from the 1970s with screwcap. It’s was the opening dram of an online tasting that was organized by Michiel Wigman, a famous Dutch connoisseur turned independent bottler.

There is no peat on the nose whatsoever. What I do get is oranges with cinnamon, a touch of oak and lots of honey. OBE too, I’m afraid, but it evaporates quickly enough not to be a bother. Some unripe white fruit and a hint of chocolate.

I have to mentally put aside the OBE on the palate as well, to be able to enjoy lovely notes of leather, heather and orange juice. The chocolate becomes quite big and some lightly exotic fruit kicks in. Think peach and some soft pepper. Lovely.

The finish could have been a little longer to my taste.

You’ll never find this bottle nowadays and if you do come across it, you’ll have to donate a kidney to afford it. Liquid history.

Find where to buy Highland Park whisky