Highland Park NAS “Leif Ericksson Release” (40%, OB, +/-2011)

A limited edition release exclusive to global travel retail and wholly matured in American oak casks. On the nose there are some immediate hints of diesel (hints not lashings…), some slight green notes, some malt and then some very welcome peat smoke. After some moments in the glass the Highland Park character begins to surface however it does take a moment or two. The taste is gentle and has some good malt and a little peat smoke but some green twig/bitterness is apparent along with a little oak spice and a little bit of fruit. The finish is quite malty and astringent with more of the oak spice and pepper. The malt is backed by some good sweetness (happily) and the finish is mildly industrial and long (unhappily).

Sigh.

£75 at the Whisky Exchange and Global Travel Retail price unknown; not currently available in Lunar or Martian Travel Retail.

72 points