Highland Park 21 Year

This review covers two versions of the same spirit. The initial release had a higher alcohol content (47.5%), but due to stock issues, a 40% ABV version was produced. The original strength was later reintroduced before the spirit was discontinued. The 47.5% version presents deep gold liquid with oily legs. The aroma offers leathery, subtle smoke, tropical fruits, butterscotch, toffee, and bright citrus, enhanced by the alcohol. The taste has medium smokiness, juicy sherry cask notes, abundant tropical and orchard fruits, and noticeable oak. The higher proof brings warmth, but water isn't necessary. The texture is consistently luscious, coating the mouth. The finish is medium with lasting sweetness and pepper, and a richer, persistent smoke. It's a whiskey for dedicated drinkers, with smoke present throughout except on the nose. It's deep and rich with good power for its age. Rated 4.25 stars. The 40% version is dark gold, appearing watery with lighter legs. The aroma shows muted smoke and less heat, bordering on weak. Orchard fruits are prominent, unlike the tropical notes of the other version. Caramel and toffee give it a dessert-like quality. The palate is dominated by sherry, with a pleasant chocolatey smoke throughout, and it's smoother and creamier with no heat or lingering taste. The finish is short and almost absent, with a quick burst of sherry and smoke that vanishes, leaving nothing behind. Rated 3.75-4 stars. In conclusion, both are fine examples of aged spirit from this distillery. They are less complex than the 18-year-old and less refined than the 25-year-old, but they still highlight the distillery's skill with malt and sherry cask aging. These bottles are expensive and hard to find, often requiring auction purchases. Look for the 47.5% version, which can be diluted if desired.

To make my 150th Whisky review special, I used one of my samples. I enjoyed highland park 12 and rated it highly, but I have mixed feelings after tasting this 21yo. Bottled at 47.5% ABV, with an Auburn, polished Mahogany color. The nose is AMAZING. It scored 25/25 points. After watching those beautiful long legs in the glencairn, I first got a strong alcohol note, then wet forest, medicinal plants, elegant coffee, hazelnut, prunes, oranges, vanilla cream, toffee, and overall an outstanding citric, open pine breeze, a mountain forest aroma. Simply gorgeous. On the palate, it was TOO DAMN POWERFUL and strong. Perhaps too much to enjoy. It's absolutely smooth the moment it enters. Then it becomes powerfully hot and oaky, with a hint of orange, unexpectedly strong, with a lot of character, like a punch in the face; notes of cough syrup, pepper, and a hint of smoke. The aftertaste is powerfully 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 mouthwatering. This earned the best single malt of 2009 at the World Whiskies Awards, but it's not for me. I know many will appreciate this dram. Overall, I give this baby an 87 out of 100. Cheers!!

I'm referring to the 21 year old August 2019 Release. Nose: A little salty, like a sea breeze, yet sweet with honey. Palate: Lacks consistency, feels very thin, with honey, hazelnut, but watery. Light smoke and embers. Plum in the aftertaste. It seems very young, definitely not 21 years old. Finish: Medium length, bitter and uninspiring. A very approachable spirit that lacks character. Good, but not great. Considering its age, reputation, and price, it's a partial letdown.... Rating 3.75. I'm referring to the 21yo Release August 2019. Nose: Slightly salty, it seems to be breathing a sea breeze. But at the same time, sweet like honey. Palate: Inconsistent, it gives the impression of extreme "liquidity", honey, hazelnut, but watery. Light smoke and embers. Plum aftertaste. It seems very young, certainly not 21yo. Finish: Medium length, bitter and uninspiring. A very "easy" whisky that, however, lacks character. Good, but not very good. Considering the years, prestige, and price, a half disappointment.... Score 3.75

I'm unsure if this justifies the $400 CAD price tag, but here's proof of this whisky's craftsmanship: you could have someone pour you a dram from 10 feet away, and I swear you'd smell its wonderful bouquet! From start to finish, it's an accomplished scotch WITHOUT BURN (ignore anyone who disagrees; they simply can't tell the difference between burn and the numbing effect of higher ABV 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 reminds you it aged in sherry, with a wonderfully syrupy body. The finish... it doesn't end. Your mouth is coated with a dried fruit aftertaste for minutes on end (nearly 17 minutes in my case). This one is timeless!

Surprisingly light with a straw color. The nose begins with a surprise: leather, savory and tangy. As it evolves, the meaty aroma fades, replaced by a gentle spice. Chocolate emerges as it opens further. The palate has two layers: subtle. First, a lightly smoked tea, and at the very end of the palate, a surprising reveal of orange spice, orange juice, and vanilla. The finish concludes with sweetness. In summary: surprising flavors appear and disappear. To fully appreciate this, allow ample time for slow sipping and let it develop. (Rating excludes price!)

A decent dram, mellow, with mild vanilla and sherry, typical for this sherried style of whisky. Enjoyable, but the price is the only thing that truly amazes me, at over $300 USD in NZ (or $200 in the UK). Frankly, I'd pass even at half that price, not because it's lacking, but because better options exist for much less. A solid 4, I'll rate. There seems to be differing opinions online regarding whether the 18 or 21 is superior. Perhaps it's personal preference or batch variation?