It’s been a while that I reviewed a sample of an independent bottler that didn’t belong to some sample pack I got sent or was a bottle of my own collection. A while ago I did buy samples every now and then and this is on of those that I had lying around for ever.

There’s a lot to tell about Highland Park and some about The Whisky Agency, but I don’t really feel like it. Let’s just say that Highland Park is one of my favorite distilleries with almost everything they make being good. There are some whiskies that are only so-so and they are falling for the we-make-this-is-expensive-as-possible trap with 30 year old single casks that cost in the thousands.

Sniff:
Light and heavy at the same time. There’s some citrus, lemon, hay and quite an aromatic scent to it. Dried flowers or something like that. The heaviness comes in with scents of old wood, leather and I even think I get a hint of iodine. Some heather too. Highland Park without the staple sherry casks mixed in!

Sip:
Sharp and peppery with crushed black pepper, heather and chilis. Not too much alcohol on the palate but there is quite a lot of wood influence. Dried lemon. I don’t think this was a fresh bourbon cask, since they tend to end up sweeter.

Swallow:
The finish is a little bit more sweet with vanilla and lemon curd. Wood, heather. Not too long but rather tasty!

Well this is fun! You don’t come around (well, I don’t) such bourbon cask Highland Parks all that often, but I sure like what it does! It’s a great tasting whisky with enough depth to explore a bit more and I regret finishing my sample and not buying a bottle of this…

Highland Park 27, 1984-2011, 52.5% ABV, The Whisky Agency, Bugs series, used to cost around € 130.