Taster

Nose: Sweet tobacco. Scented: sandalwood, walnuts.

Palate: Sultanas, lemons, vanilla, butterscotch, toasted almonds. Very restrained sweetness.

Finish: Long and soothing. Late hint of spicy, heathery smoke.

Comment: Some drinkers might perfer this great whisky slightly younger and fresher. Those who like a touch of oak will find this very elegant.

Score: 9

Taster

Nose: Powering bourbon sweetness. Lashings of oak and vanilla with liquorice and plummy fruit. Tired, but hanging on.

Palate: Creamy and spicy with a large smoky, oaky background. Just enough honey comes through to give a Highland Park signature.

Finish: Dry, chalky and some late sensuous peat lift this from a weary start. Lovely salty sea tang lingers, too.

Comment: This would never have survived another summer. Impressive brinkmanship, though still over-aged.

Score: 7