This Highland Park 12 Years ‘Viking Honour’ was the first expression from the new core range at Highland Park to hit the shelves. I think the reception of the ornately decorated new bottles has been quite warm, and it may be a new batch but with the same recipe.
The new Highland Park 18 Year ‘Viking Pride’ is also arriving in stores now. We should be able to try it in a few weeks, alongside the Highland Park Dragon Legend and Highland Park Magnus expressions.
Highland Park 12 yo ‘Viking Honour’
(40%, OB 2017)
Nose: nicely comforting. Candied orange peel and light fruit cake, heather honey, rather delicate grassy smoke. Tart citrus, maybe a hint of pineapple. Subtle floral touches. Really friendly, but not without character.
Mouth: slightly bigger now, with a bit more peat smoke which mixes nicely with the oranges. Light vanilla. Then a dry, fairly oaky side (green tea). Warm spiciness, with cinnamon and clove. Toasted nuts.
Finish: medium long, with wood spices and a hint of cocoa powder.
I wrote ‘inoffensive yet convincing’ about last year’s 12 Year Old and I can confirm there are no noticeable changes to the contents. Good whisky which would have been even better at 43%, I think. Around € 40 – the cheapest by far is Master of Malt at the moment.
Score: 84/100