Highland Park The Dark 17 Year

Fine, but nothing to get excited about. I was hoping for a bit more depth coupled with a pleasant kick. The finish is hollow and brief; drinks more like 80 proof than 105 and, to my despair, I was unable to find the peat.

** Disclaimer: This review is what I would consider a “Quick Hit”- meaning I won’t have my usual in-depth notes that I usually like to take. The reason: this sample was poured at Whiskyfest DC on 4/17/18. All of these reviews will not be scored and I am actively looking to try them again at some point to do them more justice. This is it. This was the best whisky I tasted at the festival. This is what HP should focus on- it was sherry flavors turned up to the max, a great representation of the wood cask notes that’s been missing in some of their recent, NAS Viking-themed releases, etc. The power was turned up here and the juice holds up well against the higher ABV. It was rich and creamy, sweet and smoky- yet powerful. A whisky drinker’s whisky lol. This is easily a 5 star dram and I’m really looking forward to the companion bottle- The Light. It should be a dynamic duo if they took great care like they did here with The Dark. It’s on the pricey side at $260-280, but I think it’s the best stuff to come out of HP since Odin. Find a bottle and buy it. Great stuff. Cheers. This wraps up my Quick Hit recaps from Whiskyfest DC. I’m not sure I’ll attend this event annually because the costs associated with it were just a bit too high. It definitely didn’t live up to my personal hype and wasn’t worth the $345 VIP price point.

Review #8 of 12 from DC Whiskyfest 2018. I was only able to do 12 because I came down with something that afternoon that really messed with my head and stomach. I should have just stayed in the hotel room but I didn’t pay $350 for VIP tickets to sample my pillow! No scores for anything sampled as I don’t think it would be fair. Strong sherry, wonderful dates, raisins and earthy nose. A spicy palate full of sherry, a little peat and something I couldn’t place but loved. Excellent This was probably the highlight of the night. If I were giving scores this would be a 4.5-5. I wish it were more affordable.

Very good. Hint of fruit and Smokey finish.