2017 Whisky adventures part 5: The Orkneys and Highland Park

Stillhouse at Highland Park

Orkneys day 3

Preparing breakfast in the Kirkwall youth hostel (a cooked full-Scottish one, of course), Jo and I could already see the first destination for our last full day on the Orkneys in the distance: Up on the hill on the other side of Kirkwall, smoke emerged from the pagodas of the Highland Park distillery. Having heard many good stories from delighted visitors, this distillery was high up on my “bucket list” for a long time. Now, as some of you know, I’ve voiced my criticism about Highland Park before, especially concerning a few of the rather expensive and marketing-driven, “collectable” releases of the past years. A distillery almost hidden behind a thick layer of branding, like a veil. Marketing aside, the distillery produces a great distillate and by visiting I was hoping I would get to lift the veil, to see the “real” Highland Park. So, I was excited and ready to have my preconceptions shattered!

My designated driver Jo - with Highland Park in the distance up on the hill
My designated driver Jo – with Highland Park in the distance up on the hill. Selfie courtesy of Jo.

Highland Park distillery

Obligatory picture by the distillery sign
Obligatory picture by the distillery sign

Upon striding through the iron gate bearing the distillery’s name, one can see the immaculate state the distillery is kept in. Impressive stone-wall buildings, flowers everywhere, the place is kept to impress, as is the stylish, dark, themed visitor’s centre. Thanks to an arrangement by Nicola (shout out!) we were set to go on a separate tour, led by Mark, joined by a visiting group of distributors. When you’re trying to get a feel for a place and get as much information as possible for an article, it’s always good to get the extra time for pictures, questions and sticking your nose into places and things. It also helps when the tour is held by a knowledgeable person, which Mark certainly turned out to be!

Our designated guide, Mark
Our designated guide, Mark

Continue reading “2017 Whisky adventures part 5: The Orkneys and Highland Park”

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Tasting: Clynelish 14

Clynelish 14

Clynelish 14Dram data:
Distillery: Clynelish
Bottler: Original bottling
Distilled: –
Bottled: ca. 2014 – batch L4253CM000
Age: 14 years
Limitation: –
Casks: –
Alcohol: 46%
chill filtered; artifical colouring added
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour:
deep gold with a fake orange caramel glow
The nose is immediately drawn to the signature wax notes which are so typical for Clynelish. To me it’s a praraffin type waxiness, not the natural beeswax note, but it adds to the character. Continue reading “Tasting: Clynelish 14”

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Tasting: Clynelish 1994 – 2015 by Cadenhead’s (coming soon…)

Clynelish 1994 - 2015 by Cadenhead's

Clynelish 1994 - 2015 by Cadenhead'sDram data:
Distillery: Clynelish
Bottler: Cadenhead’s
Distilled: 1994
Bottled: 2015 (coming soon!)
Age: 20/21 years
Limitation: unknown
Casks: Ex-Sherry Butt
Alcohol: unknown (probably mid-50s)
Unchillfiltered, natural colour
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour:
amber
The nose doesn’t leave anything for discussion: This is European oak ex-sherry (butt) matured! Rich dark creamy sherry notes with a noticeable oak influence. Continue reading “Tasting: Clynelish 1994 – 2015 by Cadenhead’s (coming soon…)”

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Tasting: Clynelish 1995 16y by Kintra

Clynelish 1995 16 years by KintraDram data:
Distillery: Clynelish
Bottler: Kintra
Distilled: 12.1995
Bottled: 11.2012
Age: 16
Limitation: 90 bottles
Casks: Refill Sherry Butt 2156
Alcohol: 53,7%
Unchillfiltered, natural colour
Whiskybase link

Tasting notes:
Colour:
straw
The nose immediately reminds me of medicine. Well, some might actually call whisky medicine… A spicy, herbal, peppery mixture.  Continue reading “Tasting: Clynelish 1995 16y by Kintra”

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