Highland Park 22 - Cadenhead’s 1992-2014 - 59,6%
Photo taken somwhere in Stuttgart
Another bottling that doesn't need an introduction. Everybody knows both Cadenhead's and Highland Park. This time no vikings or nordic gods. Phew..thank god..we mean Odin.
Nose
Very waxy impressions at the beginning. We get walnuts dipped into fresh paint, such as bee's wax and woody chestnut honey. There is also a freshness of pure oxygen, cider, dried orange peels and seaspray. Salted caramel fudges and new leather as well. But the whole bouquet is very subtile and balanced, with the alcohol being nicely integrated. Did we ever mention that we often prefer the indies over the official HP bottlings?
With water: It opens up and is becoming even fresher and delicate.
Palate
Full of power! A massive start, kicking caramel drops, smoked honey and all kinds of nuts (most of all the abovementioned walnuts) down the road, with liquid chocolate, orange peels and crushed mint leaves tagging along.
With water:
Where is all that salt now coming from?! Amazingly dense and heavy liquid. All those officials may go home please.
Finish
Beautifully long lasting and dry, with plenty of lemons and grapefruits. Lemons in the finish are always a safe bank in our book. But there is also a remaining fresh residue of mint tea, which is lovely.
Rating
The intro was short, so let's keep it that way: Simply superb stuff! Some refill sherry wood, a fantastic new make plus plenty of years in a warehouse et voilà: you get an amazing whisky. As simple as that.
