Highland Park 12 Years Old Viking Honour 40% NV

Professionele reviews

Angus McRaild (83)

I can't recall the last time I properly wrote notes for the Highland Park 12yo, but it's a dram I'll happily order, and usually enjoy, in a pub. Colour: pale gold. Nose: feels like the balance of peat and coastal elements and heather honey has been well struck. These elements are all well accompanied by some slightly sweetened breakfast cereals, a few ales and breads, and then a little putty. Mouth: the ABV lets it down a bit, leaving a feeling of flatness up front, but the actual flavours of soft, heather peat smoke, along with some richer shilling ales, honey on brown toast and a little sweetened black tea are all very classical and lovely. Finish: short-medium in length, a little drier, rootier and more herbal, all nicely familiar. Comments: I can see why this goes down so easily in the pub! It just struggles in these more 'analytical' situations, which I'm sure is almost entirely down to the miserly bottling strength.