Highland Park 2003 13 YO Cask #2115 for HP Appreciation Society

Highland Park 2003 13 YO Cask #2115 for HP Appreciation Society, 59,1 %

Finally, a Facebook bottling! Yep, you read that right. This fine Highland Park release takes social media to a whole new level. An exclusive bottling of Highland Park for the members of the closed Facebook group Highland Park Appreciation Society.

The two brains and muscles behind both the group and this bottling are Martin Markvardsen, Senior Brand Ambassador Highland Park, and Jesper Thomsen.

The Highland Park 2003 13 YO Cask #2115 for HP Appreciation Society was distilled back in 2003, then matured for 13 years in a refill butt. In late 2016 it was bottled and the total outturn was 576 bottles.

The bottles could be purchased for a limited time through a whisky shop in Denmark. Luckily, I was able to secure a bottle, and here is my verdict...

Nose: Very fruity for a Highland Park. You have the expected notes of heather honey, and the rich and slightly floral peatiness. But we also have the orchard fruits this time around. Add baked apples with cinnamon and hints of mint and menthol. A touch of something almost medicinal lingers in the background.

Taste: Rich and full mouthfeel. This is heavy and massive. The sweetness is balanced well with the ripe and dried fruits on one side, and the peatiness, which now appears like ashes with earthy notes, on the other side. Hmm, that was a heavy sentence as well, but that's how it came out. Honey, black pepper, heather, and cinnamon. There's a dirty streak to it as well, which is great. A bit dirty and earthy...

Finish: Medium to long finish. Continues much as it started, followed by a long and soft landing.

Comments: A big and bold Highland Park. Love this style. Feels old school.

Score (88/100)

Sláinte! - Thomas