Highland Park 12 Year Old
I picked up a bottle of this on the way home today. Jackson once called Highland Park “the greatest all-rounder in the world of malt whisky.” I had to give it a try. Established by Magnus Eunson in 1798 on Orkney, it is the most northerly Scotch whisky distillery in the world. The name comes from Kirkwall, above Orkney’s capital. It is a rise with great views of the northern isles known back then as “High Park”. This was a great spot with fresh water and plenty of peat. Plus it was an excellent spot to watch out for the excisemen, for in 1798 most distilleries operated outside the law. When the distillery became legal in 1826, the site had already become known as “Highland Park”.
From Jackson’s Complete Guide to Single Malt Scotch: “Colour: Amber. Nose: Smoky, ‘garden bonfire’ sweetness, heathery, malty, hint of sherry. Body: Medium, exceptionally smooth. Palate: Succulent, with smoky dryness, heather-honey sweetness, and maltiness. Finish: Teasing, heathery, delicious.”
Rated 90 by Jackson.
