26 years old, distilled 31st May 1991, 51.9% abv, First Fill American Oak Pedro Ximinez Hogshead, 233 bottles, dram price I

The nose is dominated by soft peat smoke and a herbal hint - fennel? Thyme? The mouthfeel is thin with a little cling. The body has soft peat smoke, vanilla, roast pork and sea breezes. The finish has peat smoke and vanilla with a hint of citrus fruits.

Water brings out thick, rapidly expanding whorling that settles into lingering mottling. The nose gains hints of Seville oranges and loses the herbal hint. The body gains Seville oranges and kiwi fruit. The finish is unchanged.

This is not the Highland Park I was looking for. Dominated by peat, it will be loved by some and merely enjoyed by others.

One for summer nights at the beach.

4/5