Tasting Highland park 15

Considering i am a big fan of HP whisky and tasted all their OB’s (but the 50 year old which is too expensive) most reviewed here it’s funny this is the first time I am really tasting the 15 year old. I’ve had a sip of that on previous occasions but never sat down and wrote proper notes like a good whisky geek like me should. wink!

The 15 year old was first released as a UK exclusive in 2003 but is now globally available. as opposed to the 12 and 18 year olds, this one is predominantly matured in American sherry casks rather than Spanish ones which give it a somehow different profile than the rest of the core range.

before we get started, you should watch this lovely video of Gerry tosh tasting and explaining about this one, very well made.

Official tasting notes by G.tosh
Highland park 15 yo , 40% , £38 Highland park 15

Nose: Zesty with lemon drops, sweet wood , peat smoke , earthy peat camphor. Wax and dust.

Palate: Malty, smoke and peat and dirty earth with some zest. Not very complex.

Finish: medium. Bitter earth with spicy wood.

As much as i am a fan of the 12 and 18, this wood profile IMHO is not the one HP shines through.  i do prefer the Spanish oak profile. It does remind me a bit of the HP “Thor”, but of course less complex, and not as interesting. or some reason i can not find this one in many online retailers now, i would opt for other malts at the same price range.

Score: 82/100

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