This venerable whisky is reminiscent of the Springbank 25 year olds of the early 1990s, and so we believe the cask is one seasoned in the old style, a rare find in today’s market. Characteristic of Campbeltown whiskies, salt dominates on the nose, followed closely by the rich fruitiness notable in Springbank whisky, offering up dried apricots and spiced pear. Peaty notes creep up slowly, as the coastal style makes an impact with smoky, chocolate rich notes on the palate. A rich, oily middle and a long finish, the richness complemented by lighter lemon notes and barley sugar.
Chocolate and peat are vibrant in this delightful malt from one of the three remaining distilleries operating in Campbeltown, which showcases Glen Scotia’s distinguishing coastal character. Smoke teases on the nose, giving way to rich and complex barley. This leads into a juicy palate that proudly displays cocoa notes and light smoke. The finish is rich with phenols and crowned with an abundance of spice.
Aged for a generous 42 years, this gorgeous single grain whisky is typical of the Cambus distillery, highly regarded by blenders for its mild and mellow nature. Good corn oil and honeyed sweetness on the nose gives way to delicate oak, balanced with big spices at the forefront on the palate. A touch of bitterness is offset by rich sweetness.
This single cask malt offers slightly above average peat for Highland Park, heather honey rich with tannins and peat, and a heavy saltiness. The palate is silky, offering a greeting heavy with smoke and lightly oiled barley sugar, and some dark liquorice sweetness, underlined with exotic fruit. The nose is long and smoky, drawn out with teasing spices and molasses, oak and
delightfully softened with phenols at the close.
The origins of Highland Park are obscured by myth; whether it was the site of Viking descendant Magnus Eunson’s illicit still, or built by farmer David Robertson, the distillery was officially founded in 1798. Orcadian peat is composed mainly of sphagnum moss and heather, resulting in a flavour profile very different from that of the mainland, more aromatic and fragrant. This influence is hugely apparent in this archetypal example of the distillery’s produce.