Highland Journey Blended Malt (Hunter Laing)

Rating: 10/23 Nose: Light, somewhat grainy, with a lemon peel bite and some alcohol. Not much happening here, but nothing bad either. Palate: Not as sweet as Dewar's 15 and definitely a bit younger, but not much. I would have likely placed this in the 10 to 12 year range, similar to how I rated Dewar's 15 at 12 years. It's less rich and oily, but it has some nice mineral, lemon, stony creek water, dry grass, and faintly meaty (in a positive way) flavors. The flavors are more distinct here and while they come across as young, they are fairly well executed. However, there's noticeable youthful alcohol with a white pepper spiciness that burns slightly at times. Finish: Bitter with some sweet creek water. Grassy with some lingering white pepper. Actually a pretty decent finish. - Conclusion - This is acceptable. I'd certainly rank it a bit below Dewar's 15, but it's not unpleasant. I wouldn't want to sip it regularly, so it's not making me think more highly of the broader Hunter Laing selection. Probably an 11, but it could be a 10 due to the harshness. I'm leaning towards a 10.

A powerful Blended Malt Scotch Whisky from Hunter Laing & Company in Highland, Scotland, matured in former Bourbon & Sherry casks. It starts aromatically with notes of freshly baked brown bread, Highland florals, toffee apples, vanilla fudge & mild smoke; it continues with a bold & rich character adding notes of butter, custard, apricot, lemon drizzle cake, peat, cinnamon & cracked black pepper; leading to a creamy, medium-length finish with notes of marzipan, caramel, ginger, Sherry, honied barley & crushed almonds. January 2020 / August 2022

My experience was not as challenging as another reviewer's. I tasted this after a particularly disappointing dram, so I was grateful for the lemon, sweet, and fruity aroma. It was a bit sharp, but inviting and piqued my interest. The palate is coating and malty. However, it is a little bitter and noticeably alcoholic. Clearly young, but considering the price in my local market, it's a decent dram. The finish is short, but the lightly drying yet coating sensation is pleasant. I'd suggest trying it if it represents good value in your area.

I'm rating this a bit higher than most because I appreciate some heat. The nose has fresh-cut hay on a rainy day. The palate opens up nicely with a dash of water, revealing a bit of pepper and gentle sherry if you let it rest on your tongue, with a long-lasting warm finish. It's not as smooth as Monarch, but at cask strength, this is quite pleasant, although a bit young.

Exactly right, well done! Lemon and wheat. Appreciate the tasting details... I concur but with a slightly lower score.