This isn't your typical Highland, and that's not a bad thing. It also doesn't come across as a 12-year-old, showing great maturity and complexity. Lastly, you could have fooled me that it has a port wood finish, because while certainly fruity and sweet to the finish, port is simply not what comes to mind. The nose is perplexingly peated, with a touch of caramel and lemons. The palate is the real kicker, with elements of salt , sugar and hazelnut (like a delicious sweet and salty treat). The finish sustains and carries itself, leaving you for minutes on end with sweetness that then becomes savory salt. This is really good!