There is often the urge by distilleries to launch an old whisky, in fancy packaging, and punt it out as a 'limited release' for a couple of grand. Highland Park, the most northerly distillery in Scotland, has done something incredibly sensible. They have released a 40 year old whisky, in very fancy packaging, for an attainable price. I've not said affordable, because it isn't! It retails at about nine hundred quid which most people would think was an absurd amount of money to spend on a drink, but for a whisky buff that really wants one, it is at a reasonable price point so they can save up and buy it, unlike the usual four figure bottlings from other producers. Also, unlike the other producers, Highland Park 40 year old is going to be an ongoing part of the range, which comprises of the 12, the brilliant 18, the 25 and 30 year olds, which means that there is no rush for the person get a bottle before they are all gone.
Another trick used by the distilleries is a lack of tasting stock, and a lot of distilleries throw out pretty mediocre liquid in these 'special editions', safe in the knowledge that few people are going to try it. Most bottles will sit, gathering dust on a shelf in some collector's living room, annoying their wife, but I was fortunate to try this 40 year old, and thankfully, it was pretty good!
It showed a nice, sweet aroma with some cloves, honey, lemon and butterscotch in there too. Orange peel was next with a tiny hint of mint. The palate was dry, some burnt notes, but a sweet, spicy mid palate with some cinnamon, raisins, chocolate and cardboard box! The finish is long, warm, and with a bittersweet element always present. 8/10
It isn't a mind blowing whisky, and nor is the liquid worth £900, but it is a good, solid older malt nevertheless, and if you are a Highland Park nut or a collector, I wouldn't think you were crazy for spending that sort of money on this. But the main thing about this whisky, is that this is the sort of attitude that the Scotch industry needs - a distillery that is thinking about it's fans, not exploiting them.
Highland Park
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