Highland Park 12 Year

The bottling in the U.S. market benefits from a higher 43% abv. The Orkney peat makes a comparatively bold showing relative to nearly all of HP's other bottlings, accompanied by notes of honey, a fair bit of spice/oak influence, and a feint hint of young spirit. All in all, this is an excellent buy for the money. Fans of this should also have a look at the Benromach 10.

[NOSE] Brown sugar, Honey-flavored smoke, sea-saltiness, hints of vanilla & fruity tones. [PALATE] toffee sweetness, some pineapple, with later arrival of quality peat, wok fry and touch of iodine. [FINISH] good kicks of smoky peatiness, followed by notes of savory/marinated BBQ, quite long lasting flavors. [COMMENT] Classy, a great casual peated spirit; this is a good starter for someone who wants to explore smoky/peated Scotch whisky. (90/100)

I'll give this one the benefit of the doubt. I like this scotch. It's sweet and smooth, yet it lacks the bite that I enjoy from bourbon barrel aging, or whiskies with higher proof. What I really do enjoy about this dram is the slow development of flavor over the course of a few seconds. The flavors don't hit you all at once, starting with soft caramels and developing into rich dark fruits. More smoke than a starter Highland/Speyside, and less than an Islay. I haven't tried any of HP over the 12 year, so I'll leave my mark as is ... for now!