Highland Park Ice Edition

Hmm, num num num. Viscous honey, vanilla, smoke, tropical fruit, apple, coconut (ok I'm eating stewed apple and coconut yoghurt concurrently so not sure if I'm associating correctly on that one :-)). There is a lot going on here, complexity and balance galore. Abv was fine but I threw a few drops of water in anyhow. 4.5 at least maybe 4.75. If this was around the $150 -200 USD mark it'd get a rare 5 instantly but at $380USD VFM says hmmm...4 is more appropriate I think. But it is better than that. Ah I've given more for less. 5 it is. Would love to get a bottle of this and Fire..if I ever win lotto.

Wooo! Now we're onto something. After trying the Fire, I was ready for a lot of Ice. Another damn fine sample from @LeeEvolved and wow he's got great taste. The nose brought out some intense tropical notes like coconut, pineapple, cherries, pears, vanilla, along with woody elements too. The palate is the perfect combo of salty brine and sweetness, mixed with some pinot grigio. Not sure why they call it "Ice", because I think more of "Earth" and the islands. Doesn't sip hot neat for its ABV, but can handle a couple drops of water. The finish is creamy and full of vanilla and herbal notes, but medium length. I wish it as a bit longer indeed! Makes me wonder if they did a 53.9 ABV for 2 extra years version of their Fire, what would it be like?? 4.5 to me, and the theme of the dram is "Immigrant Song" by Led Zeppelin.