I wanted my 150th Whisky review to be memorable, so i spent one of my samples for it. I loved highland park 12, i gave it a great score but now i have tasted this 21yo and i have mixed feelings. Bottled at 47.5%abv, with an Auburn, polished Mahogany color. On the nose it is AMAZING. 25/25 points here. After staring those beautiful long legs on the glencairn, i got an strong alcohol note at first, then wet forest, medicinal plants, elegant coffee, hazelnut, prunes, oranges, vanilla cream, toffee, overall an outstanding citric, open pine breeze, a mountain forest aroma. Simply gorgeous. On the palate, it was TOO DAMN POWERFUL and strong. Maybe too much to enjoy it. Absolutely smooth the moment it enters. Then it gets strong macho hot oakyness, with a hint of orange, never expected to be this strong, a lot of character, like a punch in the face; notes of cough syrup, pepper, hint of smoke. Aftertaste is powerful hot and spicy. Medium-long finish, much too strong for a 21 yo. Other notes: Caramel, pepper, strong mint candy. Oranges. Dry brown grasses. Ashes. Very complex and mouth watering. This one won best single malt of 2009 on the World Whiskies Awards, but it is not for me. I know many will enjoy this dram. Overall i give this baby an 87 over 100. Cheers!!