Highland Park 10 Year Viking Scars

I didn't intend to begin my exploration of this distillery here... I believe the first time I tried this particular brand was the new (current) 18 year expression about five or six years ago. Long before I understood anything about spirits, though I still don't claim to now. Since then, I've had the 12 year (tasting #86), the 25 year (tasting #51), and Valknut (tasting #92; thanks to a friend). I've always been drawn to this brand, I think due to a combination of great marketing and the distinctive heather-infused peat that has captivated me. So, I decided to delve deeply into whatever I could find. Ten 30 ml samples, a bottle of an Australian exclusive, and then tonight... an unexpected generous pour from a newly opened bottle. The 15 and 18 year expressions are next, but for tonight; the 10 year. Nose: Very mellow, refined, and welcoming. A touch of toffee or honey delicately accents the malty-biscuity base. Truly sublime herbal smoke and dried fruit notes contribute significant character and interest. Palate: Slightly oily to very subtly earthy. Perhaps a touch thin but presents very good flavors. A pear juice richness carries everything and maintains a slight refreshment against a little grain and the barest hint of time spent in sherry casks. Within the mix, we find a well-balanced, maritime-influenced smoke and glazed ham. Not complex, but it delivers everything you'd expect for its cost. Although, I just detected that floral hint of heather peat, and it's simply excellent. Finish: Medium length. Oily with a salty edge. Herbal and slightly menthol or minty on a deep inhale. There's also a late and brief appearance of pepper. I anticipated this would be good, and I wasn't let down. It doesn't possess great complexity or depth. It's relatively young but mature enough to avoid being harsh or rough. Perhaps the slightly earthy texture I detected indicates a younger spirit, but it's not an issue. There's less honey on the nose and palate compared to the 12 year, with a reduced spice profile and an absence of both chocolatey and citrus notes. But I don't mind at all. What I sought, namely this brand's floral-herbaceous smoke and a suggestion of BBQ meat (glazed ham in this instance), was present. It might be the entry-level offering, but I'd still be very pleased to acquire it. To be honest, I wouldn't choose between the 10 and the 12 year. Despite their similarities, they are very distinct whiskies that highlight different aspects of this brand's maturation process. I appreciate both equally. I might be scoring this too highly, but the smoky profile elevates it slightly more than the next score down in my estimation. A great beginning to my upcoming journey with this brand. Also, at

A new, European-only, 10-year expression from Highland Park, dubbed Viking Scars. (Eye-roll emoji). To enhance availability for the intense demand, they reduced the bottle size to 35cl. I suspect the 40% ABV was also used to stretch the supply. The only upside was getting a bottle for $18. Visually, it's a deep gold color with a very oily consistency, showing numerous flowing legs and medium, watery droplets in the Glencairn. The aroma seems much more aligned with an ex-bourbon Highland Park than their usual Oloroso sherry style. Initial notes include apples, pears, and orange wedges. There's barely any smoke, which has been typical for HP lately. Oak tannins and heather complete the scent profile, with no hint of heat or alcohol presence, as expected. The taste leans more into the sherry cask influence, with raisins and freshly pressed grapes alongside orange marmalade. It has an oily, warm texture with subtle salty peat and smoke on the very finish. It's quite thin and sweeter than anticipated; I had assumed the younger age would make it rougher, perhaps like new make spirit. However, that's not the case. It's sweet and almost one-dimensional. The finish is brief but lively and slightly rough. Sherry and orchard fruit reappear, making it a bit too dessert-like for my preference. Honestly, the purpose of this release is unclear. Small bottles usually signify exclusivity and high value, which this certainly isn't. The diluted strength and 10-year age statement feel like a reaction to market trends. Seeing a competitor's 10yo release? We need one too. Adding the Viking branding is also a regrettable decision. Everything about this suggests mediocrity, which is reflected in the fitting score of 2.5 stars. While the price is reasonable, it's not enough to raise the score. Just skip it... even you dedicated HP fans, there's nothing compelling here. Enjoy

An easy drink, not intense at all, but that's not a negative here; it simply makes for a very drinkable whisky, recommended for many beginners. Nose: Slightly smoky, with faint suggestions of wood chips. Body: Light, easy to drink - perfect for an evening or for someone new to whisky. Taste: Gentle evening smoke, neither excessive nor insufficient; it's enjoyable. Wood comes to mind, but it's subtle, present somewhere in the background. Is there apple? Perhaps, perhaps not, I don't mind; I'll just keep sipping this delightful, full-bodied whisky for this pleasant evening.:D

Nose: warming, pear, chocolate, damp earth/grassy lawn, hazelnut, faint vanilla, mild peat and a touch of menthol. Palate: warm and salty with a chlorine note, orchard fruits, hazelnut, and mild peat. Finish: medium length, smoky, minty, and chocolatey with a hazelnut undertone. A simple entry point for those not accustomed to peated whiskies. It could benefit from slightly more complexity, but it's a solid whisky considering its age and price.

There's a rather strong alcohol presence initially. After that, you first detect sherry, orange zest, and ginger. As it evolves, hints of light peat, salt, and gentler floral notes emerge. It's a decent dram, but it does come across as youthful and somewhat unpolished. It's approachable and warrants another try.

Aroma: Raisins, dewy moss, wet apricot pit, cherry leaf, poppy seed pastry dough, eucalyptus, frozen black tea, anorexia tip, violet, and red currant. Taste: Oak, toadstool cap, juniper, and a piece of peat! Enveloping like death in one's sleep. Young!