Highland Park Exclusive 1995 Gordon & McPhail

Physical Whisky Characteristics

Origin: Highland Park Distillery, Scotland.
Type: Single Malt Scotch Whisky.
Distillation and Maturation: Distilled on July 13th or 16th, 1995, and bottled in May 2015, making it a 20-year-old whisky. Matured in a refill American Hogshead cask.
Age Statement: 20 years.
Color: Dark straw, with natural color and unchill filtered.
Bottle Design: Exclusive labeling for German fans, indicating its limited distribution and single cask origin (Cask No. 1486, 342 bottles produced).

Nose: Toasted malt, green apple, lime, and a subtle menthol edge.
Palate: White pepper, banana, almond, and milk chocolate flavors, with a creamy and slightly oily texture hinting at cocoa butter.
Finish: Long and creamy with a hint of smokiness, characteristic of Highland Park's use of smoke in drying malt.

This whisky was exclusively bottled for German fans by one of the German distributors of Gordon & McPhail, suggesting a special connection and offering to the German market.
The use of a refill American Hogshead cask for maturation is highlighted, explaining the process of reassembling casks from the US in Scotland to increase capacity, contributing to the whisky's lighter profile.

Highland Park is known for its scarcity and high demand, with stocks being low due to extensive sales over the years. This exclusive bottling emphasizes the distillery's appeal and the unique offerings through independent bottlers like Gordon & McPhail.

Horst Luening describes the whisky as "a good selection of a Highland Park," noting its divergence from the typical sherry cask maturation associated with the distillery. He compares it favorably to a 25-year-old Highland Park matured in a refill bourbon cask, highlighting its unique profile.
Luening regrets that most viewers might not be able to acquire a bottle, underscoring its exclusivity and limited availability.

A 20-year-old Highland Park single malt, exclusively bottled for German fans, matured in a refill American Hogshead cask.
Features a flavor profile with toasted malt, green apple, lime, white pepper, banana, almond, and milk chocolate, with a creamy finish and a hint of smoke.
The whisky's story ties closely to its exclusive distribution in Germany and the use of a specific cask type for maturation.
Luening praises the whisky for its unique profile, distinct from Highland Park's typical sherry cask maturation, and expresses regret over its limited availability.

For Whisky Collectors: Given its exclusivity and unique story, this bottle is a must-have for collectors, especially those interested in limited releases or Highland Park distillery.
For Fans of Lighter, Fruity Whiskies: The flavor profile, with its emphasis on green apple, lime, and banana, would appeal to those who prefer lighter, fruitier whiskies.
For Experienced Whisky Enthusiasts: The unique maturation process and the subtle complexities of this whisky make it an interesting choice for seasoned whisky drinkers looking to explore different expressions of Highland Park.