Highland Park 21 Year

So, this will be a dual review since I opened a bottle of this for my Fresh Takes video over on @Generously_Paul’s YouTube channel, Dapper Drams. The reason this will be a dual review is because Highland Park released two different versions of this whisky: the original 47.5% version and a reduced ABV 40% version when their 21yo stocks dwindled in 2010 & 2011. I opened the 40% bottle for the video, but I also had an open bottle of the 47.5% from a few months back. First, a little history about the releases: it was originally launched for travel retail in 2007, and in 2009 it won Best Single Malt Whisky at the World Whisky Awards. Well, naturally, demand skyrocketed and left HP scrambling to meet it- so they did the logical thing: the blended casks down to 40% to stretch the whisky and help meet the surge. They returned it to original strength in 2012, and made it a core range release for the UK market, before discontinuing it completely in 2016- as they began to roll out the Viking re-theme and flood the market with more and more NAS whisky. Tisk-tisk. Onto the reviews: HP 21 47.5% ——————— Appearance: deep gold with oily, thin legs and heavy drops. I believe this does have some added color, but I’m almost certain it’s non-chill filtered because of the higher ABV. Nose: leathery, restrained smoke and tropical fruits, butterscotch and toffee and some lively citrus make it pop more on the tongue (the ABV helps here as well) Palate: medium smokiness with juicy, sherry cask notes, heavy tropical and orchard fruits. The oak is more noticeable in the original version than the 40%. The higher proof adds a definite boost in the heat factor, but I still wouldn’t add water. The mouth feel is consistent and luscious, not thick, but it still clings to everything it touches. Finish: medium-length with a lingering sweetness and pepper bite. The smoke is much richer here and really hangs around. Overall: this is a drinker’s whisky. The smoke is everywhere except on the nose. It’s deep and rich with a nice hit of power for a two decade old malt. 4.25 stars. HP 21 40% ——————- Appearance: it’s dark gold (evidence of added color, I think). Watery with fat legs and tons of medium-sized drops chase the legs down into the bottom of the glass. Nose: the smoke is really muted here, obviously so is the heat- it’s borderline weak. Orchard fruits on the nose, whereas the 47.5% version was almost completely tropical. Caramel and toffee make this seem more like a dessert than a whisky. Palate: sherry and more sherry appear from the jump, there’s a rich, chocolate smoke that permeates the entire sip (which is a plus over the higher proof stuff), this one is smoother and creamier, too. There’s zero heat and nothing lingering after you consume the liquid. Finish: short, almost non-existent. Which is where this dram suffers. A quick flash of sherry and smoke and then it’s gone. There’s no heat, no cask notes and nothing left behind. It’s a bit sad IMO. Overall: the palate delivers more complexity over the higher ABV, but the finish is ruined by all the added water to blend it down in strength. It’s not a bad whisky- in fact, it’s also quite good. 3.75-4 stars. Final thoughts: both of these whiskies are a beautiful example of well-aged, Highland Park. They both lack the uber complexity of the 18 year old and the sophistication of the 25, but they still showcase HP’s excellent malt and sherry cask maturation. I had to pay over $250 for both bottles at auction over the last year or so, so don’t expect a deal on either bottle- they’ve long disappeared from shelves and command a hefty price tag. If you’d like to acquire a bottle, I’d say watch the Scottish auction houses and bid on them when there’s an auction with multiple bottles up for grabs. I have seen a few go for $180-200 when there’s a lull in the bidding wars. Pay close attention to the ABV indication and go harder for the 47.5% version. That way you can blend it down if need be. That said, please check out my video uncorking and mini-review on YouTube: Dapper Drams. Maybe tell a friend and like or subscribe. Cheers and thanks for reading this long-winded, dual review.

I wanted my 150th Whisky review to be memorable, so i spent one of my samples for it. I loved highland park 12, i gave it a great score but now i have tasted this 21yo and i have mixed feelings. Bottled at 47.5%abv, with an Auburn, polished Mahogany color. On the nose it is AMAZING. 25/25 points here. After staring those beautiful long legs on the glencairn, i got an strong alcohol note at first, then wet forest, medicinal plants, elegant coffee, hazelnut, prunes, oranges, vanilla cream, toffee, overall an outstanding citric, open pine breeze, a mountain forest aroma. Simply gorgeous. On the palate, it was TOO DAMN POWERFUL and strong. Maybe too much to enjoy it. Absolutely smooth the moment it enters. Then it gets strong macho hot oakyness, with a hint of orange, never expected to be this strong, a lot of character, like a punch in the face; notes of cough syrup, pepper, hint of smoke. Aftertaste is powerful hot and spicy. Medium-long finish, much too strong for a 21 yo. Other notes: Caramel, pepper, strong mint candy. Oranges. Dry brown grasses. Ashes. Very complex and mouth watering. This one won best single malt of 2009 on the World Whiskies Awards, but it is not for me. I know many will enjoy this dram. Overall i give this baby an 87 over 100. Cheers!!

I am talking about the 21 year old August 2019 Release. Nose: slightly salty, it seems to breathe a sea breeze. But at the same time sweet with honey. Palate: not consistent, it gives the idea of extreme "liquidity", honey, hazelnut, but watery. Light smoke and embers. Plum aftertaste. He looks very young, certainly not 21yo. Final: medium length, bitter and uninspiring. A very “easy” whisky which however lacks character. Good, but not very good. Considering years, coat of arms and price, a half disappointment .... Rating 3.75 _________________________________________________ Parlo del 21yo Release August 2019. Naso: leggermente salino, sembra di respirare una brezza marina. Ma allo stesso tempo dolce di miele. Palato: non consistente, da l’idea di estrema “liquiditá”, miele, nocciola, ma acquoso. Leggero fumo e brace. Retrogusto di prugna. Sembra molto giovane, non certo 21yo. Finale: media lunghezza, amarognolo e non entusiasmante. Un whisky molto “facile” che però manca di carattere. Buono, ma non buonissimo. Considerando anni, blasone e prezzo, una mezza delusione.... Voto 3,75

I don't know if this justifies the $400 CAD price point, but here's a testament to this whisky's craftmanship: you can have someone poor you a dram, 10 feet away, and I swear your will smell its wonderful bouquet! From start to finish it's an accomplished scotch WITHOUT BURN (forget those who say otherwise - they simply can't distinguish between burn and the higher ABV's naturally anasthesizing effect on the tongue). The nose is simple yet solid, like a 4 piece band rather than an orchestra, with hints of plum, raisins, caramel, peat and some salt. The palate remind you that it has aged in sherry, with a really wonderful syrupy quality to the body. The finish is... it doesn't finish. Your mouth is enveloped with an aftertaste of dried fruits for minutes on end (in my case nearly 17 minutes). This one's for the ages!

Surprisingly light, straw color. On the nose, starts with a surprise - leather. Savory and tangy. As it opens, the meat smell dissipates replaced by a gentle spice. As it opens, chocolate appears. The palette is 2 tone. Subtle. First is a slightly smoked tea, and on the back of the palette at end, surprising unrolling of orange spice and orange juice, and vanilla. The finish ends with sweetness. Summary: Surprise flavors roll in and out. To fully appreciate this one give it a long time to sip slow - pour only when you have time to watch it develop. (Rating does not take price into account!)

Not a bad drop, mellow, mild vanilla and sherry and all similar descriptors for this sherried style of whiskey. Enjoyable dram but the only thing that blows me away is the price at $300USD+ here in NZ (or $200 in the uk). To be honest I'd pass at half the price not because it isn't good but there's better for a lot cheaper. Solid 4 I'll rate. There seems to be mixed sentiment in this one on the net between the 18 or 21 being better. Maybe personal preference or batch variation?