Highland Park 15 Year

Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky Aged 15 Years
43% ABV/86 Proof
$65 to $70
Available Worldwide

What the Distillery Says:
First released as a UK exclusive in 2003 and now globally available, Highland Park 15 is a fabulously smooth, easy to drink single malt with a luxuriously light floral flavour and a gentle smokey finish.

Tasting Notes

Appearance: Full golden, clear and bright
Nose: Aromatic smokiness with a hint of camphor
Palate: Rich, initially sweet developing into a dry smokiness
Finish: Rich, long medium sweet then medium dry

Highland Park 15 Year Old has a remarkably complex nose with notes of camphor, peat and citrus fruits and flowers. The drying sensation on the finish leaves a rich smoky feeling and the immediate desire to refill your glass.

What Richard Says:
Nose: Savory and sweet play back on forth over the heather and smoke.
Palate: Very easily drinkable. Honey and floral sweetness (lavender maybe) laid over a smoky oak flavor.
Finish: A little briny, peat, floral smoke, and a little heat transitioning from late palate to early finish.
Comments: An odd thing about this bottling is that on Highland Park’s website and just about every other European mention I’ve seen lists this at 40% ABV while the bottle in front of me is 43%. I’m glad for the discrepancy. I don’t know that it would hold up as well watered down. I’m kind of at odds with this expression. I think the 12 Year Old at about half the price is a great dram at a great price. Is this better? Yes but for about $20 more you can get the 18 Year Old which is superb. I don’t know if I would ever choose this over either of those.
Rating: Stands Out