Next up in the latest series of Malts of Scotland releases is a Highland Park distilled in 1989 and matured in bourbon wood.
Highland Park 23 yo 1989 (53,2%, Malts of Scotland 2012, bourbon hogshead, MoS 12030, 281 btl.)
Nose: very youngish, 23 years really? Pear galore, citrus and fresh grassy notes. Malt. Quite some mint as well. Lemon candles. Some flowery hints. After some time a coastal note comes out, which adds a little depth and character, but overall surprisingly bright and easy-going. Mouth: same thing, fresh citrus fruits (lemon, grapefruit), slightly candied with a drop of honey. Zesty / floral notes in the background. Again some grasses and wax. Fairly simple. Finish: medium long, on lemon zest and grapefruit with hints of oak.
A fresh and summery Highland Park. Nice and easily drinkable, but not very complex. Also, I’ve seen a couple of younger ex-bourbon versions that were just as interesting in my view. Around € 115.
Score: 83/100
This blog is my personal collection of impressions, written while searching for the ultimate single malt whisky.
