Highland Park 12 year old review

I haven’t bumped into any confirmed info about the maturation of Highland Park 12 year old single malt whisky, but I’m guessing it’s Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks. Probably re-fill sherry casks. They do talk about the usage of Oloroso sherry casks, so probably those and some American oak. But I have to remind you, that this is just a whisky enthusiasts review, not a professional opinion.

Before it’s reputation got bigger, this one used to be a bang for the buck dram. With the ongoing whisky frenzy and demand, like many other, it’s price has gone much higher than what it used to be.

Photo of the old bottling by Highland Park

THE BIG LEBOWSKI of Orkney Islands

Highland Park 12YO felt as yet again, another great delivery by the distillery in Orkney Islands. I dare to make a statement that this dram is one the best whiskies when comparing to any distillery’s core range, around its age category. Because of their good “track record”, Highland Park is one of my favorite distilleries.

They produce good stuff with dark and light notes. Like the kings of dark comedy, the Coen brothers. And HP12 is like The Big Lebowski – simple story with great characters and rough, yet light tones. Like “Dude” Lebowski’s character, Highland Park 12YO is bit rugged and not complex, with little bit of softness and very much reason. Both are coherent.

This dram is a good combo of delicate sweetness and edgy sides, like peppery notes and the signature wee smoke of Highland Park.

Matured in:

Ex-Sherry and Ex-Bourbon casks

ABV: 40%

Colour: Pale straw

Nose: Definitely the best part: fresh “clean” aromas of honey, citrus and barley along with nice floral notes. Slightly peaty too – delicate and in great balance.

Taste: Toast with honey and oranges mix well together. Little bit of herbal notes and hints of sweet peat as well.

Finish: Lingers nicely with great length. Spicy with oak influence. Wee hints of subtle smoke make a nice edge on the finish.

Balance: Good, full body with nicely sweet and earthy notes mixed well together. Great whisky especially for the price you’ll get it and when considering the “low” alcohol by volume. You can buy the stunning 12 year old Highland Park with bigger ABV level, straight from the distillery.

HP12 Scoring

Nose:Taste:Finish:Balance:

Distillery: Highland Park Region: Orkney Islands

Buy Highland Park 12 year old single malt from Amazon:

Edit 2019/07/17

After the new package and bottle design, I was happy to find out that the original quality of Highland Park 12 year old had stayed. Viking Honour HP12 is as good as the old theme was. So no changes in quality after the design face-lift.