DigitalArc
Highland Park 18 Year
Single Malt — Islands, Scotland
Reviewed
December 11, 2020 (edited September 29, 2021)
This is everything I love about the HP12, but amplified into a longer, more dynamic, palate journey. I love the fact that it's twice as intense and complex as the HP12. But, I don't love the reality that it's three times as expensive.
My palate may have failed me here, as I struggle to find substantial differences between the two, but age and maturation. (My pocket book, however, shall be the better for it.) There is an undeniable brine note that integrates well with the characteristic heathered peat.
Thinking about the price while drinking this, I realize I get the same feeling when comparing my gross income to my net income - it's honestly big cheese, but ultimately not worth it all the same. The 12 continues to push my buttons in the right places, and for much less.
Update: Edrington, please release a 15 year expression in the $100 range. You'll find a devoted follower in me: I'll never be without a bottle!
140.0
USD
per
Bottle
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@Bourbon_Obsessed_Lexington 👌
@DigitalArc you seriously need to request more whiskey offerings and see how far this streak goes on
And Edrington delivers! (https://www.highlandparkwhisky.com/en-us/news/highland-park-15-year-old-viking-heart-stockists) Sláinte!!
@Jan-Case My loss, as Wings of the Eagle is not marketed in North America. I enjoyed the TT16 more than this, however. Looking forward to your review on The Dark!
Oh, that makes me more excited about my Wings of the Eagle @Jan-Case ! I've generally heard it isn't as good as the 18, so now and then I look at the unopened bottle and wonder "should I have just gotten another 18 or a couple or 12s?"
@CKarmios Thanks, you highlight the positive even when the situation is negative.
@ContemplativeFox Your insights and experience are very welcome!
Honestly, I get a similar experience. While I like the 18y quite a bid, I find myself enjoying the 16y Wings of the Eagle more. It is about 25% cheaper than the 18y but gives me a nicer experience. I remember liking the 16y Twisted Tattoo as well but will have to get my hands on a sample again to see how it compares to the other 16y and the 18y. And I have the 17y The Dark waiting on my shelve to be opened around Christmas which will also be interesting to review next to the others.
Good analogy. Taxes, and 18 YO statements, be dam**d.
This is a favorite of mine, but I often wonder whether it's worth the price difference too considering how good the 12 is.