Review by: Whiskery Turnip

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Distillery: Highland Park.

Bottler: Scott’s Selection.

Region: Scotland/Island Single Malt.

ABV: 50.6%. Cask Strength.

Age: 25 Years. Distilled in 1981. Bottled in 2006.

Cask type: Oak.

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Nose: Austere and heathery with salty sea air, dried grass, wispy tobacco smoke, earth, and hints of sweet melon, apple, and fruit.

Palate: Medium-bodied and balanced, citrusy fruit, coastal brine, dried grass, heather, tobacco, and musty herbs.

Finish: Medium-length and peppery with a kiss of citrus.

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Mental Image: Coastal Brooding.

Conclusion: The aroma was bare bones, like standing on a sand dune staring at the sea with nothing around but grey clouds and water. Salty coastal breezes carried sandy minerality, dried grass, and heather with just a whiff of tobacco smoke. Earth and old driftwood developed with teases of sweet fruits: sliced melons, apples, and a hint of mango. Medium-bodied with a balanced and gentle mouthfeel, the flavor profile began with sweet citrusy fruit and coastal brine before shifting toward dried grass, heather, tobacco smoke, and musty herbal tisanes. The finish was medium-length and peppery with a kiss of citrus.

Austere, simple, and bare-bones— the malt had an appreciable clarity of flavor without a lot of frills or depth. Coastal brine, dried grass, and a kiss of smoke— there was not much more to find beyond an old fashioned fermented-herbal quality toward the end. The flavors were well-balanced and beyond a bit of pepperiness at the end, I would risk censure by those who hate the term and describe the malt as smooth in a buttery sense.

Overall, well-composed and tasty— this grew on me every time I revisited it.

Final Score: 82.

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Scoring Legend:

• 95-100: As good as it gets. Jaw-dropping, eye-widening, unforgettable whisky.
• 90-94: Sublime, a personal favorite in its category.
• 85-89: Excellent, a standout dram.
• 80-84: Quite good. Quality stuff.
• 75-79: Decent whisky worth tasting.
• 70-74: Meh. It’s definitely drinkable, but it can do better.
• 60-69: Not so good. I might not turn down a glass if I needed a drink.
• 50-59: Save it for mixing.
• 0-49: Blech.