Highland Park 12 Year

This is the closest I have come to finding my perfect scotch. The peat and smoke are perfect, it is just a bit too sweet.

A terrific blend of smoky and sweet. Exactly what I look for in a scotch. Not too smoky and not too sweet. Has a nice smokehouse almond flavor that goes down smooth and doesn't linger with salt or tannin. A splash of water or ice to bring forth more sweet and soften the smoked peet--if that's your style. A nice well-rounded, can't-go-wrong dram.

Nose is light and sweet with vanilla, honey, salt, mixed nuts and orange marmalade with a touch of smoke. The sweetness needs some time to appear, but it does. Rich, creamy texture. Cinnamon spice and brown sugar or caramel arrive on the palate. Hint of smoke and iodine. The black pepper spice is late on arrival and is all over as well as dried nuts. As it fades, drying oak tannins and the carmelized-brown sugar remain on the palate. Dry and sweet long finish. This dram has a wonderful balance of sweetness, dryness, smoke and spice. A great dram at a good price. Always a favorite. [Dry Glass: Damp hay and butterscotch] [88/100][Revisited 9/13/14; 5/30/15; 3/13/16; 10/30/16]

Complex, well balanced, lightly peated finish.