Highland Park Cask Strength Release No. 1 (NAS)

 

I haven't had Highland Park in seven years, or more. Since those early days of my scotch reviews, Highland Park has completely, totally rebranded in a rather unattractive Viking-forward way: Viking this, Viking that, Viking everything. Magnus this, Valkyrie that, etc etc. Always at a pathetic 40%, filtered, colored, etc. All seems maximized for profit and minimized for enjoyment by people who actually enjoy Scotch malt whisky. 

But I decided today to take a plunge on their Cask Strength Release No. 1 - non-chill-filtered and bottled a VERY healthy 63.3% ABV, this surely must be the purest version of their vision, right? This is matured in sherry-seasoned American oak, hand-picked by the master distiller at Highland Park, Gordon Motion. So let's find out...

Nose: Actually, quite a delectable, organic nose: fresh cut grass, butter, vanilla, malted barley, leather, honey, heather, sultanas, subtle sherry influence. Some rich oak notes. Quite a nice nose, I really enjoy it with every pour. Gordon Motion knows his game. With some time in the glass, or a little water, brown sugar comes forward, along with honey: a sweetness. 

Mouthfeel: Very very thick. Juicy. 

Palate: The 63.3% is explosive here: rich rich oak, vanilla and cream, malted barley, an avalanche of chocolate, white raisins, butter, pepper. A very "large" palate thanks to the heavy alcohol, and the development is fairly slow and delicious. With water and time, hot peppers come out to play. Quite nice. 

Finish: Charred pineapple, dense oak, pepper, a little smoke. Nice finish. Lasts quite a bit. 

Verdict: If you have to drink Highland Park, drink this. It may be a little overpriced at $90, but it is full of flavor from start to finish, it packs a punch, and it has things to say, names to take. I can recommend it halfway ... more than halfway if you find a good deal on it. It proves that Highland Park is capable of good-to-great things, but succumbs to the marketing department far too often. This cask strength release is a cut or two above their usual fare, and I look forward to the eventual (?) release of the Cask Strength No. 2.