Highland Park Magnus

Smoky, but too simple. Nothing special about this one.

My thoughts echo the expert review here. Sweet honey with a touch of smoke on the palate. Tasty but not overly complex. Dry short finish. Good option for those to try who are new to scotch. McCormacks Whisky Grill $11 USD per pour

Classic Highland Park, full flavor, Hilda up to the 18 yrar. Dates, honey, smokey all delicately balanced and not overbearing, a long delightful finish.

Edit: update at bottom Tried neat and then with rocks. Nose: Brown sugar, citrus zest. Faint mineral spring at end. Not terribly complicated but dont let that subtract. Palate: It's like someone took the interesting parts out of HP12. Vanilla, marmalade -> cereal highland signature, strong spice to finish. Stronger than expected spice for how unassuming it is all the way to this point. The smoke is faint after it gets in your mouth a decent bit but some of it is nice to taste initially--this one is kinda boring. Finish: Hot but not in a cheap liquor or ethanol tasting way. Short, short, short. Spice kinda gives a little kick of heather and cinnamon. Forgettable if you've had enough better stuff from the category but I wouldnt ever dare snub a dram or three. Bought on a whim for $29.99 while looking around the store with the wife. I had read and heard it was okay but drinkable; I'd personally state it as "bland and boring". It isnt deserving of much praise or criticism. Spend the extra $8-14 on 12 year. 82/100. Edit 83.5 or 84 after it had a few drams poured the bottle sat and the profile was nicely changed. Smoke was easier to enjoy throughout--less sticky sweet in the way of smoke. Me and the wife smelled and tasted rich butter/biscuit whereas before it wasnt pronounced anywhere except a quick kiss in the spice.

Probably one of the worst tasting scotches I've ever had. Oily, burnt taste, with a smokey after taste.

Good beginner scotch for someone just dabbling in peaty flavors. Not too bold or robust flavor profile but smooth to drink.