I decided on trying the Highland Park Single Malt Scotch Whisky 12 year. It'll take me a few sittings before I get a sense of how this drink holds up and if it matches the reviews I've read online.
Price
Update 9/2/15
My apologies! This Whisky just needs time to breathe. Now it is a rather exquisite drink. I had one particularly fun evening and imbibed several drams and it was incredible.
I must admit, it took quite a while for this Whisky to show it's true character, well at least demonstrate its a worthwhile addition to my Liquor collection.
I will likely buy another bottle of HP 12 in the near future.
It's about double the price of a Speyside Whisky such as Glenlivet or Glenfiddich and on par with a Macallan 12 year.
Taste
Macallan is the smoothest I've had among 12 year old single malts. Highland Park 12 ranks just below that. There is just a hint of bite that nips on the periphery and it's slight peatiness gives it a more sophisticated flavor and aroma.
Overall, well done. It packages quite a bit in a mid-range single malt without sacrificing too much. I will agree with the online reviews that this would be the recommended choice for first time single malt whisky drinkers as it has much more to experience and learn than a Macallan 12.
One negative, there is something a little off on the fragrance. I cannot quite pinpoint what it is, but in the background of its overall aroma signature there is a hint of what I could best describe as old dried seawater. It could be my glass or just by poor chance this one bottle, but I'll see if its still there on another tasting.
The only bright side to that, if this is indeed it's aroma signature I can definately pick this out by the smell alone.
Closing
This is a decent choice. I would put this on par with a Macallan 12. It holds its own just fine, but is far more interesting when you have something to compare it with.
Update 7/25/15
It's been two weeks since my first tasting and I'm now on my fourth dram. The character of the whisky has improved and not sure if it needed some time to breathe a bit or I'm becoming more accustomed to it, maybe a little of both.
Tonight, I'm pairing it with some Swiss Cheese and plain crackers. The Cheese helps clear my palate before each sip.
But although it's improved, I must sadly admit my preference remains with Macallan.
Update 9/2/15
My apologies! This Whisky just needs time to breathe. Now it is a rather exquisite drink. I had one particularly fun evening and imbibed several drams and it was incredible.
I must admit, it took quite a while for this Whisky to show it's true character, well at least demonstrate its a worthwhile addition to my Liquor collection.
I will likely buy another bottle of HP 12 in the near future.
Comments
Post a Comment