A very special expression from Highland Park. Few distilleries have the requisite whisky stocks to add a 40 year old to the core of their range. Highland Park made sure this was sure to turn heads with stunning packaging. The bottles are adorned with a silver amulet, the glass bottle was specially created by Stolze Flaconnage and the box was finished to cabinet quality by Mount Gabriel.
Rich and full. Notes of pine and eucalyptus oil with hints of manuka honey. Some fruit notes, grassy heather and mixed peels developing with gentle smoke.
Full and a little oily. Notes of leafy greenness and marzipan with hints of sherry. Seville marmalade and a little spice.
The finish is long with perfumed notes and zesty bitter oak.
I prefer mixing this with Pepsi or Monster. But I agree, a cherry or an umbrella in the glass really highlights the class this whiskey has to offer.
I like it a little better than the Von's brand I've been drinking for years. It's especially good with coke, or even Red Bull. Much better than drinking it straight. Who does that? Alcoholics, mostly. But those of class and manners drink it mixed, in a tall glass, with lots of ice, and perhaps a cherry. Very classy.
I've tried a lot of HP's and some are good and some are just great. This one is one of the best. Absolutely one of the best whiskys I've tried so far in my life. Will buy a bottle and save for something special!
Just perfect!
As with the review entitled 'Bozo', I also tried this on a distillery tour - so pleased I did but now I long for a bottle. I was absolutely blown away by how rich and honey-oriented this is. The sweetness comes through but it's the lingering warmth that does it for me. I still think the 25yo is the gem in the HP crown (seems to have a better balance) but the 40yo is exquisite.
