I’ve had the Highland Park Cask Strength a couple of times, but I never managed to write a proper review. This is about to change, but I couldn’t find a recent release so it will be Batch #2. Since its launch in 2020, I believe five batches have been bottled. All of them matured in a mix of sherry seasoned European and American oak casks.
Highland Park Cask Strength – Release #2 (63,9%, OB 2021)
Nose: slightly middle-of-the-road, in the sense that nothing stands out. Some toffee and heather honey, some oranges and apples, some raisins. Then also coastal notes and mild oak spice, with a faint floral edge. Moist wood too. In the end the caramelized layer stands out most.
Mouth: more characterful now, even though it’s quite hot. Now the charred notes and peat smoke are a bit more noticeable, as well as generous vegetal notes. Leafy notes, some peppers and a subte hint of drying tobacco. Then sweet caramel again, with a hint of latte, drying nuts and mild herbal tea. Nutmeg too.
Finish: long, still showing this drying leafy note, wood spice, liquorice and more tobacco.
Rather unsophisticated when taken neat, with obvious heat. Also hindered by caramel notes, and overall a rough and ready expression. In fact water makes it better, which makes it a contradictory release. You can get a newer batch from Master of Malt or Royal Mile Whiskies for instance.