Tastes

Very light nose, which isn’t surprising given the comparative ‘lighter’ ABV versus the stronger expressions in the 50+% range. *Incredibly* smooth, and almost sweet. Limited finish, but the tastes are wonderful even with the short run of the dram. Eminently drinkable, and an excellent introduction to malt for any non-whisky drinker. Totally worth the 99 score.

Big, smoky, sherried, and bold...this is a delicious bacon of a whisky, with warm chocolate notes, dark-almost-black cherries, and aged, well-maintained leather. Not a starter dram, but if you like Highland Park, and it’s winter with a fire nearby (preferably with a large dog at your feet), please know that this is an excellent choice to perfect the evening.

Light (appropriately) with an almost ‘prickly’ finish on the tongue, but fairly mild nose, and relatively short finish. Slightly higher ABV than most Highland Park expressions, but doesn’t really challenge the drinker in this dram. American Oak casks, so the vanilla notes are front and centre. Lovely.

Lovely dram...smooth, flavourful, and eminently drinkable. No, really, really drinkable. Mild nose, lovely layers of cherry, light (ash) woodsmoke, and (somehow) heather. For the price, an excellent expression, and a good option to introduce non-scotch drinkers to.

Lovely sweet nose, and a delicious rounded and full taste. Medium-long finish on both the palate and the nose, but in spite of the ABV and ppm of this lovely dream (autocorrected there from the intended ‘dram’, but decided to leave it because of the wonderful warmth of this malt). Highly recommended if you can get your hands on it.

Yup, the five-star rating is well-deserved. Powerful nose (unsurprisingly with the ABV), but on the tongue, there’s an amazing bronzed bloom of warmth and sunlight - don’t laugh - and a spicy finish that seriously goes on for at least two full minutes.

Lighter and sparkling, with a surprisingly mild nose (the tasting note about rubber gloves is actually fairly apt), but the comparatively mild ppm makes the finish much more friendly than others in the Octomore range.

258 ppm....more need not be said. Not only is it smoky and peppery on the tongue to an extreme, the finish might as well feel like your mouth is on fire (and should you exhale near an open flame, it might be). In spite of that, the actual drink is remarkably smooth. Rare, and delightful, if you ever have a chance.