Highland Park 12 Year

Been several years since I last had it; had felt there was a trend of decline in sub-$100 scotches around that time. Surprised to see it's aged in a combination of european and american sherry casks but I guess it offers an alternative to the bourbon barrel aged scotches that dominate the market now. Navel oranges, bartlett pear, heather honey, heaps of smoke with some vegetal peat, old world barley bread, buttery cake, nutty, cinnamon bark, anise, nutmeg, clove, dried cranberry, california raisins. Oak tannins were light & pleasant. Quick to oxidize and thin out but overall alright on account of its price point. A decent introductory scotch, though I do find all the lingering heather a little offputting personally. Still has that classic sherry barrel taste. Would recommend Auchentoshan.