Highland Park 15yo 1994/2009 (52.6%, OB, Earl Magnus, 5,976 Bts.)

The nose undiluted is citrusy backed by some solid toffee and right in the back some smoke. After a few minutes in the glass some heather and lighter notes make an appearance however with more time in the glass the smoke begins to build (not the way an Islay whisky present smoke; this is significantly subtler). Deep in the glass there are some sherry wine characters however this soon changes to reveal oak notes (leather and tobacco). The sample is continually changing in the glass. It’s very nice and very multifaceted. A splash of water brings out more of the citrus (think of lemon pound cake with the white icing) and a little mor of the leather. The taste undiluted is of smoke and leather and oak and pepper, syrupy in the mouth and very delicious. After a few moments black unsweetened tea notes emerge along with hints of the heather and some thing herbaceous. With water it is considerably tamed but still very nice and more like the other bottles in the Highland park line up (12-18yo). The finish is strong, warming citrusy and everything wafts through your senses; after a few minutes some malt emerges, it’s a very pleasant finish. The finish also alters with water and a waft more of the smoke comes out along with some lemon scented malt.

Don’t rush it, there is an extraordinary amount going on in the glass.

C$225

Score 88 points