Highland Park 18 Year Viking Pride

Served neat in a Glencairn glass from a new, full bottle. September 2017 batch 17/A211 Dark chocolate truffles and subdued German pastries underly the smoked apple-wood on the nose. Mouth-feel is a little lighter than I normally prefer, but oh-so-silky. The smoke is noticable right off the bat, but it unfolds like a Russian ballet. The smoke and sweet dark chocolate make a comeback, with the chocolate taking on a dark-roast latte characteristic and undertones of BBQ ribs. Honey, tobacco and very subtle iodine all make appearances. After a few seconds, there is tart apple and tangy blood-orange. All the while the smoke is still going. The finish is akin to a campfire several hours after being out out, with a sweet citrus/milk-chocolate truffle note that gently peters out in a dry, yet salivating, elegant fashion. This dram is complex, yet immenently approachable. It is bold, yet sensual. Compared to the Talisker 18 I just opened, it lacks that last bit of refinement. Unfortunately, The Naked Grouse replicates 90% of the profile with only the faintest rough edge, and does so for 1/5 of the price.

Nose: spice, honey, vanilla, and caramel Smooth, light smoke, peat, rich, deep

Smooth

Fruit, baking spices, honey and caramel on the nose. Taste is soft and complex, with vanilla, orange zest and light peat, finishing up heather and honey.

Lightly peated. Honey and caramel. This is not something you'd share with your buddy who loves smoke. Save this for yourself.

Nose: light, floral, caramel, slight smoke, graham crackers, honey, dark plum Palate: honey, very light smoke, oak, walnuts, citrus, slight honey dew melon, dark plum, very smooth Finish: oak, citrus, light honey

Vanilla sweetness and peat on the nose, full body, smooth lingering finish. Fantastic scotch. 2019 Advent calendar day 12