Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour

NEAT NOSE - Immediately, there is a rush of peat on the first few sniffs but it is not overwhelming. Then after a few sniffs, the presence of peat on the nose dissipates in the background as sweet notes of caramel and vanilla come through supported by some citrus notes. PALATE - Just like the nose, the smoke is the first thing noticeable on the palate, but it starts to go away after another sip or two. The whiskey then lends way to more sweet notes of caramel, citrus, and vanilla. FINISH - A subtle, sweet smoky finish medium in length. This whiskey is very pleasant and does not leave your mouth feeling like an ashtray. BUY? - Yes, especially if you are trying to get into Peated Scotch. I have an Ardbeg 10 which is on the completely opposite side of the spectrum and if that was the only peated whiskey I had, I wouldn’t drink them anymore or even try to. Thankfully, I got this one and like it quite alot. Even if you don’t like peated whiskey I encourage you to try it because it’s so approachable. BUY AGAIN? - I wouldn’t be opposed to it but I would love to try this at cask strength!