Highland Park 8 Year The MacPhail's Collection (Gordon & MacPhail)

Vanilla lemon, lemon head candies, moons over madigascar black tea, moist deli ham from the peat. Black tea mouthfeel/sweetness, light, watered down fruit juice, lavender, flowery fruity. Peat shows its face every once in awhile. Blanched peanuts. Salt brine. Hot, but not overly. It smells like a good malt. Notes aside, I can smell quality.

Pale sunlight in color. The nose is youthful, zingy, and green; I smell lemon peel, the skin of Granny Smith apples, agave nectar, and wet hay — finally, a gently smoky peat scent arises. The palate boasts first and foremost that honeycomb-like, waxy Highland Park trademark; it's muted and smooth at first, with malt, toasted pine nuts, and light salt mildly held together. As I spend more time with it, its more delicate notes come around — hibiscus, herbal tea, thyme, and tarragon. The peat plays a supporting role, giving the dram an herbal feel rather than a smoky one. It finishes with some heat, but it's not unpleasant. The aftertaste is sweet and nutty. Perfect for an everyday pour during the warm months.