Tastes

This Highland Park had to grow on me. When I first cracked the seal a few months ago I would've rated it 3 stars but I've come to appreciate it more and more. The peat is closer to a peated speyside than an islay. It's heavy on the spice and oak rather than salt or iodine. The dried fruit and shortcake notes take a backseat to Oriental spice and oak influence, leading to a long drying finish. I give it four stars because it is a unique flavor profile in my whisky collection but I don't think it justifies the ~$70 price tag. I'd rather get the Magnus for half the price.