Highland Park 17 - The Dark - 52,9%
Photo taken somewhere in Stuttgart
Some will remember that last year we reviewed the Dark Origins Expression which was good (83 points). This one seems like being the older "bad" brother. Even if we just care about quality: The HP Team (or Edrington) know how to design a bottle, we'll give them that.
Nose
Strong sherry notes enter the scene, meaning hazelnuts, sultanas, medjoul dates and old leather. The whole package is pretty tied-up and needs time to get untangled. After a while in the glass the sherry notes withdraw a little and make room for the distinctive Highland Park Honey sweetness with highland heather.
With some water: Much sweeter and very delicate now with butter cookies and mentholated toffee. Really good.
Palate
Thick and oily mouthfeel with heavy oaky spices. Could be star anis and cloves (already Christmas?!). Smoked Hazelnut and dates cream.
The oak influence is a bit too dominant to our taste.
With water: Getting sweeter like on the nose with that smoked HP Manuka honey. Very tasty.
Finish
Long with some tarr and a few drops of lime juice plus those hazelnuts again.
Rating
A very fine dram! Actually dangerously delicate and drinkable, but that's a luxury problem. Fans of heavily sherried whiskies will love that for sure (and thank god not another Viking god or hero this time).
