The second batch of Archives bottlings is made up of younger whiskies. It includes this Highland Park distilled in June 2000, as well as a Laphroaig 1998.
Highland Park 11 yo 2000 (50,9%, Archives 2012, bourbon hogshead #800005, 129 btl.)
Highland Park 11 yo 2000 (50,9%, Archives 2012, bourbon hogshead #800005, 129 btl.)Nose: sweet and sugary, with banana as the main theme. Banana ice cream or those lovely banana / whipped cream pastries. Hints of pears and white chocolate and soft heather / wax notes on a second level. Delicate, light and enjoyable but youngish and not too wide.
Mouth: creamy and sweet, but also surprisingly spicy (pepper, hints of salt as well). Barley sugars. Pear drops. A hint of heather. Delicate smoke as well.
Finish: medium long with the spicy / soft herbal notes and sugar sweetness lasting longest.
Very youngish and it has virtually nothing to do with the official profile. But it’s definitely nice, sweet and pretty summery too. Around € 60, which I find rather expensive. Available from the Whiskybase shop.
Score: 84/100