Highland Park The Dolphins

This is a contender for this year's best whisky award. It won't take the top spot, but it will undoubtedly be among my top 10 for 2020. A remarkable whisky. This limited edition commemorates the UK's Royal Navy submarine division, known as "The Dolphins". Bottled at 40% ABV, this is characteristic of Highland Park and is thus excellent. Nose: Exceptional. The initial aroma is the classic Highland Park heather peat. Following that are notes of coffee, salt, old shoes, gum, seaweed, cod, brown sugar, sand, dust, orange toffee, old books, burnt honey, sulfur, and coastal scents. A second taste reveals jalapeno spice and fresh fields; a third adds vanilla and oranges. Truly amazing. Palate: Begins somewhat diluted, becoming salty, like tasting a wave. Spice, peat, soil, earthy. Some vanilla appears on the second sip, which is also creamy. Finish: Magnificent. Sulfur, scorched fields, STONES AND MINERALS. Spice and salt. Primarily minerals. Hints of dulce de leche are also present. Rewarding, lengthy, delicious. Overall: A superb dram. Only 1500 were produced, and I managed to acquire one. I believe it may still be available, and it's worth seeking out. Excellent quality, rated 97 out of 100.

A fresh, vibrant Highland Park bottling. Smells of Bourbon barrels with toffee and vanilla. A delicate, understated treasure. 92