Highland Park 13yo, "Houston We've had a Problem", bottled by The Whisky Barrel

On April 11th, 1970, the Saturn V rocket launched Apollo 13 into space on a mission that would face disaster. Superstitiously, it was on April 13th that an oxygen tank exploded, endangering the crew. Through an amazing maneuver, one of humanity's greatest mathematical feats, the crew used the moon's orbit to return the lunar module to Earth, saving everyone. This incredible story has been honored by an independent bottler, who released this Highland Park 13yo "HOUSTON WE'VE HAD A PROBLEM" as part of their "Apollo Commemorative" bottlings. I've tasted about 5-6 from this series, and this is one of the best. Maturing in a first-fill oloroso sherry cask, bottled at 61.3% ABV. Golden color. Nose: Extremely appealing. Blackberries, currant, and marmalade. Mild smoke. Hard toffee, mint, and pepper. Fancy and grape-like; like Dr. Pepper soda. It's very spicy on the nose, but in a pleasant way. After the first sip, it offered a purple jelly juice. I'm amazed by its spiciness. This is a powerful, very good spirit. Palate: Wonderful. Herbal; black tea. It scorched my lips. Very spicy, a true atomic bomb of pepper. A second sip brought blackberry juice, but much more natural than artificial juice. Figs. This is a very good whisky. Aftertaste: Continues the greatness. Sulfuric, it's the most gigantic wasabi/pepper bomb ever found in a dram. Fierce spices, but not unpleasant. It hits like an UFC fighter. It's so spicy it reminds me of Indian food. Fig syrup. Overall: I believe this could cure ailments, lol. Drink this if you feel sad. Drink this if you feel tired. Incredible, pleasant rocket fuel dram. Along with another bottling, it's the best in the series (I've only missed a few). A memorable dram; only 322 bottles were made, so if you find one, don't hesitate to buy it. My score is 94 out of 100.