Whisky Review: Highland Park 30-Year-Old

Initial presence of oak rises into a crescendo of milk chocolate, honeysuckle, and campfire-toasted marshmallow. Waves of sweet scintillations radiate from the center of the mouth outwards, along with hints of oak. Ultimately, these glowing scintillations of flavor come to rest gently on the tip of the tongue. Expect a surprisingly long finish given the whisky’s delicate silky-smooth mouth feel. At the death, one is left with hints of oak, as well as marshmallow nougat. Conclusion: When compared with past offerings of Highland Park’s “Dirty Thirty,” which could be rough around the edges, this latest release is soothing, comforting, and far less risque. Depending upon one’s mood, refinement and polish are sometimes preferable. For instance, those well-heeled aficionados who favor a venerable old Macallan would do well to try Highland Park 30-Year-Old. I find myself enchanted by this single malt to the point of craving the next sip. Yes, it’s true: a few percentage points have been lost in the ABV when compared with older offerings. At 45.7%, the whisky is far from “challenging.” But it is magnificent none the less. Bitter oak and peatiness of years past have been replaced by a spirit that wraps its gossamer wings around one’s senses in a holistic way. And, of course, it goes without saying that a few drops of water are not really necessary to appreciate the full richness of Highland Park 30 Year Old. When I did add water, the length of the finish decreased even as more woodiness emerged, along with the faintest hint of leather. Rating: 94/100 [SHOP FOR A BOTTLE OF HIGHLAND PARK 30 YEAR OLD]