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We were very excited to taste this one. So excited I had to buy a bottle so we could do it.
This is the latest addition to the Highland Park core expressions and another No Age Statement to enter the market - love them or hate they are going to be around in increasing numbers for a while. Highland Park describe this whisky as using twice as many first fill sherry casks than in the Highland Park 12 Years Old resulting in a naturally darker, richer flavour.
Nose: It's a good start, It smells good from a foot away. It's smoky fruit cake with a touch of marzipan which could be maraschino cherries. But there is also a citrus fruit fudge. Floral smoke keeps popping back in and there is a definite orange segment edge - pith and all.
Taste: Sweet on the palate. Almost dark chocolate orange. There is a balance given by notes of cape gooseberries. And such smooth smokiness which becomes a bit tobacco chewy. It is all benefited by the higher alcohol strength.
Finish: It's all about dark chocolate orange. Really dark chocolate that has a rich smokiness to it.
Rating: Thumbs up from The Whisky Shop Dufftown tasting panel (both of us that is). [DWP rating - Buy A Bottle]