Highland Park Odin

Part four, and the last of the “Premium Highland Park samples from Lee” series of reviews. This is Odin. The Allfather. King of Asgard, father to Thor and Loki, and husband to Freya. Enough of the Norse mythology, let’s get to the whisky! This 16 year old single malt is bottled at what I believe is cask strength of 55.8% ABV, natural color of a dark amber and most likely non chill filtered. Matured exclusively in first fill and refill sherry casks with no bourbon casks at all. Beautiful intense sherry on the nose. Warm vanilla and brown sugar. Raisins, dates and plums. A little salty/savory and a light smoke. Buttery biscuits, warm wheat bread and toffee. Roasted mixed nuts, cocoa powder, cinnamon, a touch of chili powder. There was a quick hit of turmeric or curry powder but it was gone so fast I couldn’t really work it out. Chocolate oranges, ginger, fennel, a slight waxy note and a touch of maple syrup. Tobacco drizzled with honey, old wood and leather. After all that, the barest hint of banana. It’s not quite as elegant or balanced as the 25, but just as satisfying. The palate arrives with intense peppery oak. Quite powerful, and it builds. Roasted nuts, sherry, raisins, dates, plums and smoky oranges. Some alcohol burn. Spice cake, cinnamon, clove, more oak and pepper. I had to add a few drops of water to tame this beast or my tongue was going to fall off. What I got afterwards was butter cookies, like the Royal Dansk cookies that come in the blue tin. I also got crusty wheat bread with a little honey on it. All of that was covered in pepper though. The spice never really left. A full bodied mouthfeel that was oily and mouthwatering. The finish is long and dry, with oak, pepper and dried plums. The profile here really fits the name Odin. Incredibly strong and it commands respect. Not as sophisticated as the 25, but no less great. Like the Ice Edition, I feel this would have been better presented at 48% ABV as it’s just a bit too strong on the palate. At $300 it’s almost worth the price...but not quite (for me anyways). I’m giving this a 4.5, same as the 25 year old. It’s as good, just in a different way. Another huge thanks to @LeeEvolved for all the wonderful samples with which I have been provided. It’s been an adventure for sure. Cheers