Highland Park 1960 18 Years Old 43% 1960

Professionele reviews

Serge Valentin (94)

Darker than the ‘regular’ version of the 18/60, which is amber.

Colour: mahogany.

Nose: this version is unexpectedly less rich and deep than the 17yo but also more phenolic, almost a little metallic. Quite some gingerbread, tonic, fresh putty, peat, then cured ham, eucalyptus honey, a little camphor, hints of encaustic, leather polish, even motor oil. At the fruits department we have grapefruits, tamarind and dried figs… The whole is very different from the 17yo indeed, but as for which one is the nicest, it’s impossible to make up our mind – yet.

Mouth: we’re much closer to the 17yo now, except that there’s rather more honey and more peat besides all the dried fruits and jams. Becomes more and more phenolic, with an almost big peatiness. As much peat as in very old Laphroaigs, as if HP’s peat didn’t ‘mutate’ as much as Laphroaig’s through the years. Amazingly good whisky for sure.

Finish: a tad drier than the 17yo’s but similar in style. A tad waxier as well.

Comments: one of the peatiest Highland Parks I ever tried as far as I can remember. Brilliant again