Easy to guess there would be Gordon & MacPhail bottlings to celebrate The Whisky Exchange’s 20th Anniversary. Two have been released this month: a Caol Ila 2005 and this Highland Park 2001.
Highland Park 17 yo 2001 (54,9%, Gordon & MacPhail for TWE 20th Anniversary 2019, first-fill bourbon barrel, 163 btl.)
Nose: a punchy all-rounder with pine needles, very subtle floral smoke, earthy and minty notes, as well as hints of honeyed pears, pineapple and vanilla latte. Barley sugar. A little cake and brass polish.
Mouth: full-bodied, with sweet and fruity notes at first (sweet resin, mead, grapes and pink grapefruit), moving towards toffee and mocha. Candied ginger, grass and spearmint. A slightly funny, dried hoppy note.
Finish: long, with some citrus zest, subtle coffee and grassy oak spice.
A slightly uncommon, even incoherent Highland Park, but original and highly entertaining. A nice change of pace from most other indie HP’s. Exclusive to The Whisky Exchange, still available.
Score: 88/100