Tastes

Sweet plum, berries, caramel from start to finish. Medium finish and strength is perfect for a 46% ABV. Rounded and viscous upon entry that lasts and remains after the initial burst that follows entry. Earthy, sherried nose with cherry aromas that match the taste. A pure, unadulterated scotch. This is a magnificent whisky and astonishingly enhanced at the price point. Using this rating system, anything less than four stars is delusional and misappropriation. These do not know their whiskeys. This is easily a 90/100 on traditional scales, and worth the 96 at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge. High expectations before trying due to virtual and actual recommendations, and this did not disappoint. Out of this price range, I would not want to buy it simply because I would be frustrated that such an opportunity became less of one. Not a hint of brine or bitterness, or anything synthetic or medicinal. This is borderline angel’s share. Satin sherry, silky wine comes through. I have an affinity for a port or any wine finish or maturation for my hooch. This is a pleasant dram trifecta—sherry, red wine and bourbon matured—for me. However, one letter “e” keeps this from being my dream dram. The “e” is for ethereal. Of everything this spirit is, what it is not is dreamy. A dream spirit must simply be just that. This spirit does entice and create desire with its touch of toffee. A tour de force of a Highland.

That any experienced whisky drinker would depreciate this offering is usually because HP is not their whisky. This original 12 is better, absolutely, but the price point of this 12 makes the the light smoke, and citrus, fruity, caramel, vanilla ensemble more of a decent character. This one should never be the protagonist however. The entry in the mouth is of spice without any sting or a chemical gooey encounter which helps to solidify the quality here. Many “cheap” young spirits, 12’s being a lot of them, have a menthol, medicinal stench and starchiness that make the malts utterly undrinkable for pleasure and relaxation. The nose is not sublime, but is ocean salty, comfortably foggy, like a morning on a quite beachfront. It’s overwhelming ratings in challenges are overblown, but this is one to always have around. Any higher price, and the malt decency is diminished drastically. This must be factored into the review. So, this 12 is another dependable, daily scotch to keep around and share. Special does not belong in the vicinity of this sprit, but enjoyable seems to be the central point of existence for this one.

A costly but reliable daily malt. There are less expensive ways to toast to the end of another day of hard work. That said, this is a wonderful, toasty, vanilla-honey, sweet, full-bodied bourbon/sherry cask flavor. Going for quality over quantity lately, that is why I have been willing to spend more on the dailies. This a consistent, fine whisky and a true step up from the 12. It is well-deserving of an average 90 score from various ratings, be them official spirit challenges or YouTube reviewers. The burst is velvety rich, lingers like liquid gloss, as a friend who known exactly how long to stay so that the feeling is perfect and creates anticipation for next time while solidifying the present time was well worth it. It is quite memorable and a must have in my reservoir. Cuter my, it is priced fair. Remember, do not make this an occasion malt. It is so much more sophisticated and yet companionable than that. Look to this for an every day malt and you will be a well-balanced, cultivated whisky connoisseur.

Heat, fire with a smooth, sweet, savory sherry oak that acts like the falling tide on the evening shore. It’s an ambrosial mellowing crash after the rushing-to-shore pepper current. Then the spirit melts and consumes the mouth without searing. It is quite a unique offering. The 60% ABV is special, for sure. Certainly, this is not an every day dram, but one for the typical winter night of sorts. It begs to meet you during a mood.