Highland Park 12 Year

Nose: Oranges simmered in honey water, then seasoned with a tiny bit of clove and some fragrant smoke - almost like a sprinkle of the ash from a burnt sandalwood incense cone. There's a maritime quality as well, but again it's light and fragrant rather than robust. Palate: A seamless continuation from the nose with a sweet citrus and honey arrival backed by a soft malted cereal character. In the development (which can take a while) gentle smoke starts to be noticed along with grassy notes, very subtle salt and a hint of sherry. There's a little bit of spice that flares up in the late development and the texture is silken. Finish: Medium/short. Malt and honey and a very faint lingering touch of smoke. For a younger expression this really benefits from a good 20 minutes of rest in the glass, which makes everything bloom most pleasantly. It's a subtle everyday dram with hidden complexity that you find yourself occasionally sniffing and thinking "this is really rather good". However, I don't think it should be over-rated either - it's good, but not fantastic. Also, if you don't get the smoke note try letting the dregs dry in the glass and then sniff it - the smoke is instantly apparent as the foundation aroma, and once you've "got it" you'll smell it in future. 10 years ago I would have given this 4 stars and it was a favourite go-to everyday dram, but not so much now. Bottles of this older type are getting hard to find now, but the "Viking Honour" 12 year old seems to be the same whisky. "Good" : 83/100 (3.5 stars)

strong burning taste. smooth