We've got a Greek relic here that is no wedding, but unmistakably singular - matured for 16 years in ex-bourbon and Spanish Rioja wine casks. It's no Oedipus or Prometheus, perhaps... But neither is it a myth of emergence like the birth of Athena or the transformation of Hermaphroditus. I'm referring to οὐροβόρος - Ouroboros - that symbol of a serpent biting its own tail! Forming a circular tube - it's all about balance, transmigration, continuity beyond horizons, and even fertility - first depicted in Egyptian antiquity. (Yes this reads like an unappetizing circus show but, no pressure, indulge me.) The archetype then manifested itself... much later... in Norse mythology as Jörmungandr, child of Loki, that grew so large as to encircle the entire world and earn the name, Midgard, or "world serpent". Holy cow!!! This latter thing is what is noted on the box as the inspiration for this fine whisky. All quite interesting, but I gave that classical history only a flicker of thought when compared to what I more keenly associated it with, "The Girl with the Dragon Tattoo". (The 2009 film starring Noomi Rapace in the original Swedish production, and Mara Rooney in the 2011 U.S. version. Cracking nice entertainment, both!) Did I think through all that just to acquire a bottle? Indeed, I did. (Or, it could've been the clouds of smoke and dim orange sunlight blanketing the L.A. skyline as wildfires scorched the West Coast.) There I stood at the store like a meth smoker in some stupefied condition, I could only narrate as 'brain freeze'. Regardless, I managed to make a decision, buy it, then drive home without too much cognitive dissonance and plenty of anticipation. After arriving at the pad with the box, my partner took one look at it and glanced at me icily. The thought of decanting it crossed my mind, before I thought, "Just f----n' drink it, dude." All this because of the silly Nordic design on the box. Honestly, I could've probably done my partner better had I arrived home with a margherita pizza and wine. But it's not often you've got a winner that's better than dinner! Long story, short - don't let the look of the design detract you from picking one up - it's worth the drama. Now that the hard part's over, let's get onto the scotch! The nose has the characteristic Highland Park notes of honey and heathered peat. The aromas draw you in deeper with what most scotch drinkers should positively identify as a sherry-cask influence. Had I not known that this particular expression had been married in Spanish wine casks, I'd be none the wiser. The palate is reminiscent of the HP 12 as its foundation, but masterfully intensified and augmented. The additional years of maturation layer on the honey flow, even as the fruity red wine notes fluently meld into an almost citrus-like sweetness. Like the threading of a rope, this spirit is a harmonious dance - two effusive streams of flavor - intertwining in a delicious tango. The mouthfeel is exquisite and oily, and pleasing at 46% ABV. (I like oily. Oily is valuable.) The finish is where the red wine tannins emerge alongside the peat, and together with the vibrant citrus notes, they make for a rare outro. I've read more than once the criticism that the Highland Park distillery cask management was no longer optimal. But I feel the inclusion of these wine casks has invigorated what has been missing since the storied 'old' HP line was rebranded in 'new' livery. I hope they keep up that trend. At this point, I can't imagine how the Highland Park 18 could be any better at a lower 43% alcohol-by-volume. Heat is not even an issue here. I'm honestly captivated by this expression. After two drams, I found myself as gleeful with this discovery as I was when eating at a McDonalds or Burger King as a kid. I went back to the store and picked up a second bottle. This limited release is just that good.