Highland Park 10yo 1999/2009 (57.3%, SMWS of America, 1st Fill Ex Bourbon, 4.135, 109 Bts.)

The nose reveals some initial sweetness followed by some spicy wood notes along with some really good fruit (think of tree fruit rather than citrus or berries).  There is also a growing rich sweetness that is very pleasant. After a few minutes in the glass it starts to open up and there is the slightest hint of green in the back ground which turns to very light juniper the more time it spends in the glass. Best solve this right away before this gets out of hand and have a sip…the taste is sweet, strong and slightly coffee’d as well as some light leather. There is also some malt and some heft to the mouth feel. Very nice. The finish is malty and green and then there is a mild blast of smoke that quick dissipates (like one of those really small purse dogs that are all the rage these days –  lots of noise at first but soon skulks back into the purse, tail between its legs).  After a minute or so the malt takes over and there is really no sign of the sweetness however the malt carries on for quite a while. After quite a while potato chips make an appearance…unsalted and simply plain.

With water the nose is much the same as without but is slightly more pleasant. The taste most definitely improves and its much rounder and smoother but don’t over do the water, it looses some of the vibrancy. It’s meatier however with water.

US$90

Score 82 points

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The first review of three Scotch Malt Whisky Society bottlings this week…..