Highland Park Voyage of the Raven, a weighty name for one of their latest travel retail expressions. This single malt whisky was primarily matured in first-fill sherry seasoned casks.
Highland Park Voyage of the Raven (41,3%, OB 2017, travel retail)
Nose: mostly the oak spice coming through. Nutmeg and cinnamon, with hints of roasted nuts and coffee beans in the background. Sweet plums underneath. A light alcoholic edge. Also light grassy / leafy notes and burnt rubber.
Mouth: sweetish but also a bit underpowered. Light smoke, a bit of dried fruit sweetness and chocolate. Hazelnuts. Again a good dose of oak spices (ginger, nutmeg), mixing with slightly bitter herbs.
Finish: rather short, with clove, bitter coffee and hint of raisins.
A surprisingly low ABV and a big emphasis on green, spicy notes make this Voyage of the Raven a lukewarm expression. Ah, travel retail… I’ll always approach with caution. Now also available from Master of Malt for instance.