Whisky shop Massen and whisky clubs De Tongerse Whiskyvrienden (Belgium) and Dram Brothers (Luxemburg) are closely related and sometimes share an exclusive bottling.
This time they selected two casks from the stocks of Malts of Scotland: a Littlemill 1990 and this Highland Park 1994.
Highland Park 1994 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland for Dram Brothers & De Tongerse Whiskyvrienden 2015, bourbon hogshead, ref. MoS 15007, 268 btl.)
Highland Park 1994 (54,5%, Malts of Scotland for Dram Brothers & De Tongerse Whiskyvrienden 2015, bourbon hogshead, ref. MoS 15007, 268 btl.)Nose: fresh but fairly neutral. Barley with lemon and apple peelings. Herbal notes (fennel) as well as some heather honey. Becomes more complex, with mint and light waxy notes. A slightly bigger fruitiness as well after a while (greengages). Touches of lemon grass.
Mouth: lemons again, or rather lemonade, alongside gooseberries and unripe mirabelles. Some touches of Littlemill, only with a creamier / oilier texture and more mineral notes. Almost metallic at times. Hints of peat and pepper.
Finish: long, citrusy and slightly grassy. Green tea with lemon.
This Highland Park 1994 seems a little restrained at first, and in fact it never becomes exuberant, but it does get layered and entertaining. Very good. Around € 135.
Score: 88/100