This secret Highland Park at a very decent age was bottled last year by the guys at Whiskybase. I even drove there to pick it up, if I recall correctly, which also happened to be the first time I ever visited the Rotterdam store.

Strange, to have such a great store at a drivable distance, and never go, but the only times I am near Rotterdam is when we’re going on holiday and I’m with my entire family. So, Whiskybase had never happened yet, but now it has.

Anyway, Highland Park with an age statement. This is a rarity, if the name of the distillery is on the label and in this case it is not. From a bourbon cask, which should be a recipe for success. Let’s dive in!

Sniff:
Lots of straw, heather, hay and a whiff of smoke. It is quite a light whisky, but herbaceous and mature. Dry white oak, some coastal salinity.

Sip:
Dry on the palate, almost coarse. White pepper, sawdust, straw. Some heather and a touch of honey. A little bit of smoke too.

Swallow:
The finish is a little bit more sweet, more honey. There’s still that coarseness, but not just that. Quite a long finish, with straw and barley husks.

This slightly dry and peppery profile is something I truly enjoy. It is also why I really like these indie Highland Parks since they all fit the mold. The complexity by having the coastal influence, a whiff of highland peat and a light austerity suit me very well. Cracking stuff!

89/100

For sale in the secondary market starting at € 140, at the time of writing.