This spirit epitomizes the rich, peaty character of Highland Park whiskies. The peat from the nearby hills of Hobbister Moor, just 10 km from the distillery, is the source of its intense, peaty flavor, combined with warm, spicy notes of fruit tart, resulting from long maturation in European and American oak sherry casks.
Nose: Sweet and delicate, a little spicy and deeply exotic. Viney, suggesting white grapes and Manzanilla sherry, then becomes lush, floral and fruity. A hint of vanilla caramel gradually appears. A drop of water lifts the citrus notes and adds hints of sweet caramel.
Mouth: The texture is soft and creamy, the taste is slightly sweet and fruity. It then becomes more lively, with acidity and spicy, peppery, drying tannins. A drop of water initially brings out the fruitiness without diminishing the spice.
Finish: Medium to long, finishing on a dry, tongue-tingling, warmly spicy note with fruity acidity and a pinch of white pepper.
Nose: Light notes of smoky oak, lemon zest and honey.