Highland Park 25 Year Old Single Malt Whisky 750ml

Ever tried a perfect whisky? Well this could be your chance! This bottling of 25 year old Highland Park single malt is made with whisky taken from ex-sherry and bourbon casks and bottled at 45.7% abv, slightly lower than previous 25 year old expressions from the Orkney distillery. It was awarded 100 points out of 100 at the 2013 Ultimate Spirits Challenge in New York; a perfect score!

Highland Park’s excellent 25 year old whisky. A mix of ex-sherry and bourbon cask matured whisky to balance honey with rich fruit, as well as a lick of the distilleries trademark Orcadian peatiness.

This quarter century expression from the Orkney distillery is matured in a high proportion of first fill sherry casks. Presented at a higher strength of 45.7% abv to preserve some of the highly complex notes. A surprisingly sweet and vibrant dram with great depth.

Highland Park distillery, considered the jewel of Orkney Island, has released a 25 year old version of their core expression Scotch. This one is matured in a higher percentage of first fill sherry casks than the 18 year old. The distillery is known for drying their barley with Hobbister Moor peat, which burns more floral and less rubbery and briny than from Islay.

Nose:

Soft, plump cherries, toasted walnut, crumbly pastry and brown sugar.

Palate:

Stewed fruits, sweet vanilla and some classic Orkney peat. A hint of spiciness, not too much though.

Finish:

Sweet, long and delicious.

Overall:

This really is a fantastic single malt from Highland Park, tonnes of flavour but balanced admirably.