Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour

NEAT NOSE - Immediately, there is a rush of peat on the first few sniffs but it is not overwhelming. Then after a few sniffs, the presence of peat on the nose dissipates in the background as sweet notes of caramel and vanilla come through supported by some citrus notes. PALATE - Just like the nose, the smoke is the first thing noticeable on the palate, but it starts to go away after another sip or two. The whiskey then lends way to more sweet notes of caramel, citrus, and vanilla. FINISH - A subtle, sweet smoky finish medium in length. This whiskey is very pleasant and does not leave your mouth feeling like an ashtray. BUY? - Yes, especially if you are trying to get into Peated Scotch. I have an Ardbeg 10 which is on the completely opposite side of the spectrum and if that was the only peated whiskey I had, I wouldn’t drink them anymore or even try to. Thankfully, I got this one and like it quite alot. Even if you don’t like peated whiskey I encourage you to try it because it’s so approachable. BUY AGAIN? - I wouldn’t be opposed to it but I would love to try this at cask strength!

Visual: Honey-gold. Slow, thin, oddly-spaced legs. Nosing: Tons of honey and sweet scents. Good amount of oak and vanilla. A slight, deep scent of...Froot Loops. Huh. Tasting: A nice subtle smoke. A pretty short finish; good body. Okay, sweet and vanilla. Slight bitter lemon oil. Warming alcohol. Reduced Nosing: Much more fruitiness comes through with added water. Alcohol fumes dissipate and a light peat is clear. Reduced Tasting: With added water, more smoke comes through and sweetness lessens. Slight lemon again on the back end. A good dram. Not overly complex, but it's nicely balanced.

43% ABV(North American Market) Chill Filtered and no added colour. Med-Medium Light body Light amber N: Honey, orange peel reminds me of Mandarin oranges, light peat P: honeyed heather into mid sweet oranges, silky mouthfeel and a touch of sweet smoke creeps up at the end. F: medium ,mouthwatering with slight of peat smoked orange rind finish A balanced whiskey with sweet, spicy notes and just a touch of smoke. Always a favourite, if I’m not sure what I’m in the mood for or if I’m with a friend just beginning to venture into peated whiskey. A staple for me as long as the price stays down.

Nose: fruit cocktail, freshly struck flint Palate: vanilla, mild pineapple, heathery peat Finish: short and clean, the mild coal smoke arrives, hint of white pepper, vanilla, and waaay in the back strawberry menthol and orange blossom. This is simple, good, and smooth as glass at 43% and is an excellent 12 yr old daily drinker. (As this sits in the glass for about 15 minutes the pineapple shows up on the nose and after several sips begins to build on the finish as well. Finally, as the flavor builds with multiple “chews,” the finish finally picks up some baking spices like cinnamon)

I wanted to like this, ex-sherry casks and differend peat sounds like promise. But I feared a lot it wont delivered. The bottle and box wouldn't help - I love the design. And there is half screw half cork bottle cap. That's fantastic idea. The thrill and fear rised. With first smell, I got some Talisker vibe. That's good. I like that. Peaty, salty sea air, honey and heather. And the taste? Happy to say it delivered. Smooth, bit spicy, light peat and sea breeze with overall but not overpowering sweetness. Light, tasty, it's like sunrise in winter day. I'm not disappointed.

N: Burnt orange peel, smoked wings, honey, other citrus, P: Sweet and citrus initially then dramatically gives you those savory smoke in the mid palate before the honey takes you into the finish F: Short but satisfying. The adventure on the palate comes to an abrupt end and has you picking up your glass once more. I use this whisky to introduce my friends to peat and have created some lifelong Highland Park Fans in the process. I am getting near the end of this bottle and it has been a pleasure having it on the shelf.