Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather

Introduction: Highland Park has long been one of my favorite distilleries. Whenever someone asks for a single-malt recommendation around $50, Highland Park 12 is my go-to. Even their rare misses are still quite good. A previous Cask Strength release did not appeal to me, so I was hesitant about this new limited release Cask Strength: Heather edition — but once it hit U.S. shelves at retail, I could not resist giving it a shot. Nose: The nose is dominated by campfire smoke — not savory peat, not acrid, but a dry, open-air fire quality that sits heavily over the glass. Beneath that smoke is a very faint layer of vanilla bean and a light suggestion of sweet liqueur, something reminiscent of cognac or brandy. Still, the smoke is unquestionably the main voice here, overshadowing most subtleties. Taste: Peat smoke runs through the entire palate, but it is never harsh or meaty. Instead, it leans sweet and almost floral, like a campfire with marshmallows roasting over it. The front of the taste opens with slightly charred, roasty marshmallows, followed by a note of honey-roasted nuts — light, fleshy, sweet, and gently smoked. The back half of the palate shifts dramatically: tannic, charred oak takes over, and then deep, dark stewed berries emerge. They are not bright or tart, but slightly bitter, likely from the sherry influence. This fruitiness appears only on the back, making for a surprising and memorable transition. Finish: As the taste fades, the mouthfeel turns powdery — typical of high-proof whiskies as they dry the palate. The finish is dry with a faint echo of dark berries, but tannic oak quickly becomes the focus. Dark cocoa powder adds a semi-sweet, bittersweet depth. Thanks to the 63.6% ABV, the finish is long, steady, and satisfying. Conclusion: This is an excellent release. At its $80 SRP, it is an absolute no-brainer — complex, surprising, and beautifully executed. It takes unexpected turns in both the palate and finish, yet remains unmistakably Highland Park. It is also far peatier than most of their core lineup, but remarkably smooth for its 63.6% ABV. In a blind tasting, I would never guess the proof. This is easily one of the more memorable single malt releases I have tried in recent years — a true standout.