Citeret fra HP:

New Range for GTR. The Vintage Editions range consists initially of four Highland Park single malt whiskies which were distilled in 1998, 1994, 1990 and 1973. The starting point for this range was to look into our maturing stocks to find sherry seasoned casks which would showcase different dimensions of the classic Highland Park profile of honey sweetness and aromatic peat. The differences between the expressions lie in the extent to which first-fill or refill European and American oak casks have been used; as always, maturation completely influences the colour and complexity of each whisky. The 1998 and the 1990 Vintages emphasise the smokier notes whilst the 1994 and the 1973 highlight the sweeter characteristics.

They are coming in a couple of weeks so they should start to appear over the next month or two.

Serge anmeldte dem 16/2
www.whiskyfun.com

Peter

The Duty Free recommended retail prices are;
1998 Vintage €46 (1l),
1994 Vintage €65 (70cl),
1990 Vintage €99 (70cl)
1973 Vintage €750 (70cl).
The range will be available from April/May 2010.

Tasting Notes
Highland Park 1998 Vintage 40%
With an emphasis on first-fill American oak Sherry casks in its maturation, this vintage reveals the smoky side of Highland Park, attributable to the distinctively aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor. The yellow accent of the packaging is inspired by the Orkney sun which, at midsummer, never sets.
Colour: Rich, golden, clear and bright.
Aroma:Opaque honey, dried grass with ginger spicy notes. Dried apricot emerges late.
Palate: The vanilla and honey sweetness developed from a dozen years in American oak is perfectly balanced with the emergence of the aromatic heather peat smoke. Sweet notes of cinnamon and cashew nuts emerge.
Finish:Sweet with medium lingering spice and smoke.

Highland Park 1994 Vintage 40%
This vintage has luxuriated in the most expensive casks; a higher proportion of first-fill European oak Sherry casks have imbued the whisky with a rich, dark colour which is mirrored by sweetness on the palate. The crisp blue of the label reflects the deep sea and big sky of Orkney.
Colour: Rich, warm, amber hue.
Aroma: Warm caramel to the fore coupled with hints of almonds. Dark fruit, including cherries and figs, are slowly revealed as the whisky opens up.
Palate: Caramel and soft smoky notes intertwine with cinnamon and rich dried fruits.
Finish: Beautifully mature with a lingering, warming smoky finish.

Highland Park 1990 Vintage 40%
A slight increase in the proportion of first-fill European oak Sherry casks underlines the balance between sweetness and smoke for which Highland Park is renowned by whisky enthusiasts the world over. In essence, this expression is a bridge between 18 year old (The Best Spirit in the World*) and 21 year old (World's Best Single Malt, World Whisky Awards 2009). The light green tones on the packaging represent Orkney's fertile farmland.
Colour:Golden, glowing coppery tones.
Aroma:Orange peel, honeycomb with cedar wood and rich fragrant spicy notes; nutmeg with a hint of cloves coming through.
Palate: Mouth-watering citrus in the form of lemons and oranges, sweet vanilla custard notes wrapped in subtle yet complex spices at the end.
Finish: Medium sweet with lingering smoky spiciness.

Highland Park 1973 Vintage 50.6%
When laying down a whisky for extended maturation, as with this Vintage, there is a danger the cask may dominate the spirit. Every time a cask is used, its ability to impart an influence on the spirit is diminished, which is why at Highland Park refill casks are used for the older whiskies. The refill casks specially selected for this Vintage allow the natural characteristics of Highland Park to come through; there is no over-dominance of cask. This Vintage is un-chill-filtered and completely natural colour (as are all Highland Park whiskies).
Colour: Rich, warm and naturally golden.
Aroma: Complex aromatic layers emerge as this whisky reveals itself. Vanilla and toffee sweetness are evident; enticing floral notes and hints of heather are followed by dried citrus fruits, nutmeg and coconut.
Palate: The assertive citrus notes are balanced by the layers of caramel, cinnamon and soft floral flavours. The slight oak tones are first balanced and then swept aside by the late arrival of classic Highland Park spicy smokiness.
Finish: This whisky lingers, a clear reminder of the complexity that Highland Park is able to deliver. It is medium sweet, with a long smoky finish.

Kilde: Highland Park

Highland Park 1973 Vintage 50.6%

Highland Park 1973

This variant of Highland Park is exclusively for global travel retail and duty free markets and was first released in April 2010 having been distilled in 1973.

Many of the events of this astonishing year were to have lasting repercussions; the Vietnam and Yom Kippur wars ended; President Nixon was inaugurated for his second term of office; the UK, Republic of Ireland and Denmark entered the European Economic Community, the precursor the the European Union; the first mobile telephone call was made in New York City; Britain ended the year with the start of the three day week.
In a landmark year for cinema, The Sting was awarded seven Oscars and The Exorcist, Last Tango in Paris and American Graffiti all hit the screens. Pink Floyd released the seminal album Dark Side of the Moon.

Released: 2010 aged 37 years
ABV: 50.6%

Kilde: Highland Park

Highland Park 1973/2010 (50.6%, OB, travel retail) This is the newest bottling, we already tried the three younger ones and they were good. Colour: gold. Nose: well, if both 1977s were in the official style, that means that this 1973 is close to the 1977s (do you follow me?) Maybe a tiny-wee tad more aromatic, with a little more sandalwood and maybe orange blossom, other than that we have plum jam, heather honey, quince jelly, a little peat smoke, tea, just a little mint, hints of rhubarb pie"¦ The whole is superb and does not call for water. Yet"¦ With water: not much changes, I told you , but it was already perfect when neat. Mouth (neat): beautiful! The oakiness is bigger than in the IBs but the rest is perfect, majestic and complex. At random: mint, dried fruits, liquorice, lemon marmalade, orange marmalade, quinces, plum jam, honeydew, macaroons"¦ and god knows what else. With water: yes! We're close to perfection now. Extraordinary playfulness at 37 years of age. Finish: rather long, smooth but firm at the same time, delicately spicy and phenolic, candied, honeyed"¦ Leaves a very fresh and clean aftertaste with just a few tannins. Say 3 tannins (not 2, not 4 "“ joking). Comments: I'll soon have to travel (even) more. SGP:552 - 93 points.

Kilde: Whiskyfun
Billeder: Highland Parks hjemmeside

Smagsnoter fra Gavin D. Smith
Highland Park, 1973 Vintage (Scotland)
A Highland Park spokesperson notes that "When laying down a whisky for extended maturation, as with this vintage, there is a danger the cask may dominate the spirit. Every time a cask is used, its ability to impart an influence on the spirit is diminished, which is why at Highland Park refill casks are used for the older whiskies. The refill casks specially selected for this vintage allow the natural characteristics of Highland Park to come through; there is no over-dominance of cask."