Highland Park Magnus

slightly smokey but also sweet, a little thin

Until yesterday, I had no idea that this product existed. I assumed that the Highland Park 12 was their entry level offering. While browsing in an ABC in a neighboring County, saw this one on sale for $36 (regularly $40) and decided to give it a try. APPEARANCE: Pale straw color. A quick swirl formed slow moving legs on the inside of my Glencairn. NOSE: Enjoyable. Notes of Citrus and Sherry. Light sugary/doughy sweetness. Like a glazed fruit pastry. It hints at peat, but it's definitely not a strong medicinal note.In fact, if I wasn't already aware that it was there, I may miss it completely. The longer it stays in the glass, the more the Fruit and Sherry notes begin to dominate. There is an unrefined quality here. A little alcohol, which is surprising given its 80 proof. NEAT: Fairly Heavy and Oily. Not overly complex with vanilla, honey, apple and an astringent note that while prominent, doesn't ruin it. The unrefined quality I noticed in the nose transfers to the palate as well. The Peat shows up on the finish. Not overpowering at first, but it does build the more you drink it. A nice jolt of heat at the end with peat, sugary sweetness and a light salty character coating and lingering on the palate. Think salted caramel. SPLASH: Amps up the peat on the nose. Turns the palate toward chocolate covered cherries. The peat on the finish is a little more ash. VERDICT: This was a little rough around the edges for me. Not as smooth and polished as the 12 Year. I really think that this could use a little more higher aged stock in the blend. I had another pour in a small rocks glass with a large cube and it was good that way as well. Something I've never done with a single malt. I plan on enjoying this bottle and if I see it on sale again (@ $36 it was only a couple dollars more than some of the nicer blends) I may pick up another.

Has a light Smokey smell on the noise along with distinct orange peel. Flavor is slightly peaty, light, and salty. Finish is a bit spicy.

Pretty good for the price, I had to try it a few times for it to grow on me. Just the right amount of peat. Regular price was around $50 CAD.