Highland Park Harald review

Highland Park released six NAS (no age statement) whiskies for the European travel retail market: Svein, Einar, Harald, Sigurd, Ragnavald and Thorfinn (in order of price). Named after the Norwegian king, Harald Fairhair, who established the Orkney earldom. King Harald also had a well-known victorious army.

Highland Park Harald has been matured in American and European oak casks. About 50% of the casks used were first fill. I must say, I wasn’t impressed at all by it. Highland Park has managed to make great whisky even with low alcohol per volume level, like HP2001, but this isn’t one of them. Okay dram, but nothing more.

Not quite like KING HARALD

Coming from the Warrior Series (Travel Retail set), Harald isn’t as fearsome as the real King Harald (movie is going to be about Harald Hardrada, sorry, couldn’t come up with a better reference)). Unfortunately, this whisky version of him falls short. Though not a bad dram at all, it’s just a little bit too delicate compared to the two I tasted: Einar and Svein.

Check out my tasting notes of Highland Park Harald below. There’s also a search bar widget by Amazon, if you want to buy the whisky from there.

Matured in:

Ex-Bourbon and Ex-Sherry casks

Colour: Pale straw

Nose: Starts with floral and earthy notes with a wee smoky twist. Develops into smooth and dried, fruity aromas.

Taste: It is pleasant, but very thin. Delicate spices and nuts with some green fruits. Not much to cling on. Not so characteristic as HP’s usually are. Because I am a fan, I’m disappointed.

Finish: Warming with spices and floral notes. Nice length – picks up a notch from the taste in character.

Balance: Okay dram but too mediocre for this brand. In balance, but lacks character. Not living up to its name. Still, over 80 point score so there’s something right. I guess I’m just a hardcore fan complaining.