Highland Park Dark Origins

I'm not as big a fan of smoke and peat as some.
Bought the wrong whisky.... It's nicely balanced, though, and not as overpowering as some. Certainly doesn't taste like a hastily doused campfire, as a couple have; nor have a " swampy" effect from overly heavy peat.
Still, it's not really to my taste, and i won't be getting another bottle. Did recommend it to some I know who l like heavier peat and smoke.
Bound to be a favorite with many... But not me.

31st August 2016

I thought this was a great expression. Perhaps a touch, a touch, harsh on the nose, but great otherwise. Thicker mouthfeel than the 12 and maybe even 15. Great sherry character while still maintaining the HP smoke. Big and bold. Doesn't taste as young and alcohol-y to me as some of the reviews that have been posted. I purchased for $70 at my local total wine and feel pretty good about that price. I've seen it going for $90, though, and that might be too steep.

5th August 2016

Great whiskey, I like the 12 year old more, but could get use to the dark

31st May 2016

It is a shame that the more people that start to enjoy a Scotch, like everything else, it just gets less special. It has become all about the money.... not the CRAFTSMANSHIP that people took pride in. I believe they are trying to get the public to accept NAS as a mystery product that intrigues more than satisfies. I found this Scotch to be good but not for the price. Who knows what's in it but I am sure it won't be long before the flavor profile changes. Anyway, just try it so you can say you did.

29th May 2016

My new favorite under $100. Delicious, sherried whisky, with a lot of depth. I think I did taste the "harshness" that others note, but I'd describe it more as a bit of bite. To my mind that wasn't enough to be a negative, against the depth of flavor and the almost unctuous mouth feel and long finish. Well, these things are all a matter of personal taste. But I'm stocking up.

27th April 2016

I would've given this whisky four stars had it not been priced twice that of their 12 year, which would fetch an easy four star rating, and at half the price. This whisky isn't as thick or complex as their other core bottlings, nor is it as aged; they should price it accordingly.

13th March 2016

Had a sample of this and wasn't impressed. Harsh, uncomplex, nose and taste. Would be fine if it was priced for much less. The packaging and name of the whisky is utterly goofy, but it seems that people are duped by it and willing to pay extra for what is an inferior product. There are some fine NAS whiskys out there that have the decency to be lesser priced than the older single malts. This is not one of them.

10th March 2016

I see not everyone is enamored by this, but I think its my new favorite in the "affordable" range (under, say, $80 USD). Strong sherry flavor and very round in the mouth, maybe slightly harsh aftertaste (as the person below said) but more than made up for by the depth of flavor and warmth of the whiskey. Worth the few extra dollars from the basic HP, in my opinion. Lovely all around, but then, different strokes for different folks!

8th March 2016

If you already like HPs 12 this one is similar but with some extra character - a great balance of smoke, malt, vanilla and caramel. I disagree with a lot of the reviewers here - it's well worth the little extra.

7th March 2016

The peat and smoke flavour are nice, but it's harsher than many others. Poured a round for my relatives after Christmas dinner this evening, and after 30 minutes was surprised to see that several people barely touched it.

25th December 2015

A bit rough. Almost anything else you try in this price range is going to be better. I'd rather have the 12 year HP.

8th December 2015

Not what I would expect from a nearly €100 bottle. Without its marketing team, Highland Park would never be able to sell. There are spirits that sell by themselves, this is not one.
Mild sherry on the nose, some red fruit and more sherry on the palate, insignificant finish. Nothing rough or unpleasant, just anonymous.

17th November 2015

Must say the package look great,and thats all.was expecting dark rich malt,to match.whisky was poorlight in colour hotno depth. Id cladly give it back.sorry.

2nd November 2015

This expression reminds me of HP 15, though both peat and sherry influences are more intense. I had expected the rich sherry cask influence, but I was surprised and delighted that the peat is an equal partner. Peat and mild smoke are immediately evident on the nose, along with sweet buttery syrup, malt, red berries, and a hint of vanilla. The palate is robust and complex. The peat and smoke are more pronounced than in other HP expressions, and is well integrated with the rich sweet tang of sherry. There is also a delicious spicy/peppery nip, bitter dark chocolate and tart cherry jam. The finish is incredibly long and sweet, with smoke and mild pepper. Balance is excellent. Dark Origins is only slightly more expensive than HP 15 year, and in my opinion well worth the extra cost.

24th May 2015

Box looked really nice in the shop, never tried a Highland Park before. Choose this one over the 12 yo because of the "dark" package.

The NAS is not really a problem when the whisky is good. But I'm a little dissapointed by this, it tastes rather young and has a, in my opinion, "chemically" sulfur nose. This isn't so present in the taste though. The smoke is really nice though, but it's covered/influenced by the "chemically" thing.

79 out of 100 malt points, considering the price that's just to low of a score.

If you like the sulfur, more chemically/medicinal drams then this one may be the one for you.

19th May 2015

This is a nice Scotch but is hideously overpriced. The 12 is just as good, albeit slightly less smoky and drier.

14th April 2015

Every HP I've ever tried has been spectacular; the brand ranks among the best IMO. Dark Origins is no different. After having limited myself to journeyman brands for some time (due to a battered wallet), I splurged and got this for $79 USD. One sip told me this HP was leaps and bounds better than the journeyman brands I'd been sipping. This is true quality.

The price, however? I don't know if ANY scotch is worth more than $50, but I'll pay it if the mood strikes me. It did this time and I don't regret it.

The NAS? I generally agree that NAS makes a scotch suspect, but I've had quite a few of them that were definitely worth a repurchase.

I do think it's a gimmick to mature Scotches in flavorful casks for a few years, but it sure does provide a nice variety of flavors and expressions, so I think it's worth it.

I do wish they wouldn't be so damn greedy, however.

9th April 2015

I dont think this is a bad Whisky by any stretch but for the added price the 12 is a better buy and is just as good.

10th February 2015

No age statement?! Why is this seeming to be the new trend in single malts, what theyre really doing is selling us young whisky thats been matured in ultra exclusive casks at a ridiculous price and not expect us to see taste the difference. ..shame of you guys!! This is marketing at its finest, tell us how old your stuff is and stop the mumbojumbo bs! Basically what theyre doing is over hyping a product that is too young and immature abd claiming it to be something it's not! No age statement. .no purchase!

23rd January 2015

I like the blend of peat, sweetness and smoke and loved the aftertaste which is a bit like sweet tobacco.

I do think it is a wee overpriced but still recommend this product highly

12th January 2015

HP DO seems a bit heavier, peatier than the 12 and 18, and its taste is fine if a bit bitter, but a NAS £15 pricier than Uigeadail and not cask strength, and not as good? No deal. HP price policies in 2014 indicate a regrettable Macallanisation in process.

29th December 2014

Overprised youngster.
Watery cocoa.
Soft peat.
But enjoyebal.

22nd November 2014

Love this new Highland Park. Big hit of smoke on the first sip but smoothens out into beautifully sweet fruit with a lovely long finnish. If N/A statement whisky is the future for Highland Park (and most other popular distilleries) I'm all for it. For me, Macallan got it wrong, these guys have got it bang on.

9th October 2014

This reminded why i fell in love with the Highland Park 12 year old of old (1980's)all those years ago, sadly for me the 12yo does not scale the heights of old these days so this is a welcome addition to the HP range.A big, rich aromatic spiced mocha of a malt with the trademark earthy yet sweet peat smoke with a lick of heather honey. Some lovely balancing notes of fig jam on toasted brown bread,star anise & waxy orange. Will be buying a bottle of this for sure and highly recommended for lovers of sherry & smoke influenced whisky.9/10

23rd September 2014

the big standard Highland Park is a pretty good bet. it's got a lot gookmg for it at a pretty good price. Dark Origins is a much harder bottle to praise. the price indicates it should be something special but unfortunately under inspection it's a pretty poor. it's got the usual HP flavour but the whole sherry thing just doesn't come through at the kind of level you'd expect. it's a nice drop but not £60 nice. The price and promise make me think there's far greater bottles for the same price or less. a bit thin, warming but ultimately lacking.

20th September 2014

Not as smooth as the Highland Parks I am used to. Good peat and nice chew but a bit harsh even with a drop of water

14th September 2014

Mmm.. yummy, yummy liquorice. Really liked this one!

17th August 2014

This bottling will form part of the core Highland Park offering, but it proved so popular at launch that everyone wanted to get their hands on it! More bottles have now come into stock and this will be a regular product on the site. --The Chaps at Master of Malt

12th August 2014

Is this a limited edition whisky, or will it be a staple in the HP range? I am shocked it is out of stock so soon.

11th August 2014

Very nice Single Malt

7th August 2014

Tried this at a tasting last night. Glorious dram! A couple of us were convinced it was a Bunnahabhain. Very surprised to hear it was a Highland Park. Lovely with lots going on! A yummy 9/10. (Although, it did split the room & wasn't to everyone's tastes).

5th August 2014

I tried this at Dramboree last month - the story and packaging is great (as usual from Highland Park). I was expecting a dark, bold, rich whisky; however, I found it was a little watery and subdued. Nice, yes, but at £61 a bottle, I'd either spend a little more and go for the 18 year old or spend a lot less and go for the 12.

5th August 2014

Hello there! Yes, absolutely. The drams will be available on site later on this afternoon. --The Chaps at Master of Malt

5th August 2014

Any chance of this being available in the drinks by the dram option?

28th July 2014