Even when they’re unnamed, it’s easy to recognize Highland Park releases. Most of the indie bottlings are great. We’re having a 2003 single cask bottled in the Old Particular range from Douglas Laing .

Probably Orkney’s Finest 16 yo 2003 (48,4%, Douglas Laing ‘Old Particular’ 2019, DL13371, 371 btl.)

Nose: a mix of oily notes, wet gravel and warm wax, mixed with HP’s trademark honey sweetness. A whiff of smoke and an earthy, almost farmy edge. Peaches. Some creamy vanilla and spice from the oak. Mouth: perfect strength, with a nice oily texture. Starting on spicy and herbal...