Highland Park recently launched a 10 years old expression, available in Holland. It’s an entry whisky in many respects: younger, with a low ABV, even the bottle is sized down, containing only 35 cl.
While I usually don’t like 40% strength, I tend to applaud the smaller bottle as it allows you to have a quicker turnover in your collection and try more whiskies for a similar budget.
Highland Park 10 yo
(40%, OB 2013, 35 cl.)
Nose: both surprisingly fruity and surprisingly peaty. An expressive combo certainly at this strength. Typical aromas of heather and light sea breeze. Oranges, apples and nice peaches. A little wax.
Mouth: a bit soft but quite bright. The coastal notes stand out first, then followed by apple / pear / almond. Soft bitter herbs, faint ginger and zesty grapefruit. A little salt as well.
Finish: again really soft, weak even. Oily with traces of almond sweetness and leafy notes.
Probably meant as a beginner’s dram and it’s not bad at that, introducing the typical flavours in a slightly softer way. Better than expected, I must say. Around € 20 (remember it’s only a half bottle).
Score: 80/100