Up until now, all of my encounters with Highland Park have been post-Viking re-branding. The latter is pretty cool, but also kind of goofy. Anyway, in this review I'll turn back the clocks and dive into an HP expression that was dropped altogether. Before it was discontinued, HP had bumped this one up from a 40% to a 43%. This is one sits at 43. Nose: When I first cracked it, the peat was undetectable. However, upon comparing it to two unpeated sherry cask malts, the peat was clear as day. At this I'd call it a subtle peat aroma, emphasis on the subtle. The most prominent notes are lime and vanilla. Some honey. Beyond that, it's floral, grassy, leafy, and reminiscent of orchard fruits. This is one is rounded of by some sherry sweetness and a light oakiness. Very nice; just which it was a hair more potent. A couple years later and I’m back with a fresh bottle. I’m adding lime, orange, and plum. Palate: Heavy vanilla, followed by plum, orange peel, and lime. It's a combination of sherry and citrus notes. These are complimented by light salt, smoke, and oak spice. A very mild cinnamon kick at the end. Walnut and caramel. Surprisingly oily and leathery. Delicious. Finish: Short to moderate. Cinnamon and oak spice before fading into sherry sweetness. All in all, I'm glad to have found one of these. The last in the store, and the first I'd ever seen on the shelf. 4 for this one. It's incredibly enjoyable and is great as a sipper or as a background whisky. A lot to love here. This one just hits all the right notes. Say what you will about the marketing, I'm here for the whisky. Call it the 'HP 15 Viking Soul' and dress it up in over-the-top Nordic packaging; if this one makes a return, I'll be first in line.