Highland Park 10 Review/Tasting

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland Park Distillery, Orkney Islands, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation & Maturation: Matured in sherry oak casks from Spain, contributing to its flavor profile.
Age Statement: 10 years.
ABV: 40%.
Color & Clarity: Not explicitly described, but Highland Park does not color its whiskies, implying natural coloration.
Bottle Design: Mentioned as a half bottle (35 CL), indicating a smaller than standard size, designed to introduce novices to Highland Park's offerings.

General Profile: Gently smoky yet surprisingly sweet, with a balance of butterscotch sweetness and a smoky finish.
Smokiness: Low intensity, between 5 and 10 ppm, making it approachable for those who might not typically enjoy smoky whiskies.
Sweetness & Fruitiness: Notes of vanilla, caramel, oranges, and apples, with a butterscotch sweetness prominent.
Spiciness & Oak Influence: The cask contributes spiciness, with hints of vanilla and caramel indicating fresh and active wood.
Maritime Influence: Described as having a distant sea breeze character, including tang, seaweed, and a unique "foulness" of rotten biomass, adding complexity.
Balance: Well-balanced, with a good interplay between smokiness, sweetness, fruitiness, and maritime notes.

Distillery History: Highland Park, established in 1798, is noted as the most northerly distillery in Scotland, located on the Orkney Islands.
Market Introduction: The 10-year-old variant was introduced in 2013 as a teaser to the market, primarily in a half bottle format, aimed at novice connoisseurs.

Orkney Islands: The unique environment of the Orkney Islands, including its peat and maritime climate, contributes significantly to Highland Park's distinct flavor profile.
Historical Distillery: As one of Scotland's old distilleries, Highland Park carries a rich heritage that is reflected in its whisky production techniques and storytelling.

"Gently smoky but surprisingly sweet is the perfect way to describe the uniqueness of Highland Park."
"The smokiness is there but it's well bound into the sherry cask fruitiness."
"A complex, well-intense single malt which is very well suited to convince a newbie to single malt whisky."

Highland Park 10 is a gently smoky and surprisingly sweet single malt from Orkney, Scotland.
It features a low level of smokiness, making it accessible to those who may not usually enjoy smoky whiskies.
The whisky is well-balanced, with notes of butterscotch, vanilla, caramel, and a hint of maritime influence.
Introduced in 2013 in a half bottle format, it's aimed at novice whisky enthusiasts.
Highland Park is noted for not coloring its whiskies and for its historical significance as the most northerly distillery in Scotland.

Novice Whisky Drinkers: The Highland Park 10, with its gentle smokiness and sweet profile, is an excellent introduction to single malt Scotch.
Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: Those looking for a complex yet approachable whisky with unique maritime notes and a well-balanced flavor profile.
Collectors: Given its limited availability and unique position in Highland Park's range, collectors might seek this out as a noteworthy addition to their collection.