*Score* 86
*Color* Bright yellow gold. Seems to glow.
*Nose* Vanilla and honey with barley. Musty.
*Palate* A tad oily with good density.
*Finish* Long and savory.
*Notes* The taste is spot on with the nose - vanilla and honey with a lingering trace of what I would call “musty.” I feel like there’s hints of smoke, but it’s a bit bashful.
This is a solid offering from the good folks at Highland Park. It’s consistent with the other expressions, with a subtle lack of quality you would expect at the lower price point. It isn’t bad and is definitely a good value, although it’s difficult for me to judge this on its own knowing how much I enjoy the 12 and especially the 18.