Highland Park 25 Year Old ★

Spirit Name: Spirit Type:	Highland Park 25 Year Old Single malt
Score:	96/100
ABV:	48.10%
Region:	Islands (Orkney), Scotland
Body:	Full
Intensity:	High (dense but piercing on swallowing)
Texture:	Oily
Balance:	Heavenly
Best served:	Neat
Theme(s):	Age, musty, piercing spicy oak, bakery, tart fruits, buttery creaminess
In a nutshell:	In keeping with Highland Park's Viking theme, this whisky has the piercing smack of Thor's hammer as it releases a thunderclap of spicy oak and a dense cloud of fruity tartness and zest combined with complex bakery sweetness that radiates off the tongue as it is washed away by a wave of buttery creaminess
Likes:	Complexity, density and oily texture
Dislikes:	Piercing oak when swallowing (slight)
Price:	$275

The Highland Park 30 Year Old is a heavenly nectar that I think the Angel's left behind, but the Highland Park 25 Year Old comes very close and would not be out of place sitting at Odin's dining table as it releases its almost lustful aroma and draws in those very pleasure seeking ancient gods. In keeping with Highland Park's Viking theme, this whisky has the piercing smack of Thor's hammer as it releases a thunderclap of spicy oak and a dense cloud of fruity tartness and zest combined with complex bakery sweetness that radiates off the tongue as it is washed away by a wave of buttery creaminess.

Nose 

The smell of a musty library fills the glass, as dusty leather bound law reports mingle with carpet and mahogany bookshelves. The paper is old and yellow from age, as long neglected books are opened. Within the mustiness is tart blackberry and shades of dark chocolate with a sharp dry oak that pounces but then, as though it realises its encroachment, retreats before it becomes overpowering.

Taste 

This is one of the few whiskies that causes me to close my eyes in delight and pleasure. Luscious and oily,  this high class whisky radiates with magical charisma but then releases the sting of oak and ground cocoa that whips the palate slightly and which throbs with the sweetness of candy coated almonds and orange zest biscuits layered with manuka honey as a dense cloud of dry wood is met with a thunder strike of spice (anise seed, cinnamon, ground nutmeg and cardamon).

Finish 

The lingering glow of spices radiates from the tongue, as dry oak blends with zesty orange and lush green. The dense cloud of oak then thins as a buttery creaminess coats the tongue, almost like a fresh scone layered in double cream and some butter. Delightful!