Highland Park Cask Strength Single Cask 15 Year Old, American Oak Sherry Puncheon Cask, Cask #4451, 60%

The named American oak sherry puncheon gives a clear cask reference, while the notes bring vanilla and tropical fruit alongside lightly peated smoke. That contrast is appealing to me; the peppery heat in the finish also points to a firmer edge than the softer vanilla might suggest.

Reviewed by SlowtrainSoda

Nose

Crème brûlée, Heather honey, Cinnamon, Pineapple, Lemon zest, Vanilla, Earthy peat smoke

Palate

Toffee, Vanilla, Heathery peat, Black pepper, Tropical fruit, Orange zest, Baking spices, Gentle smoke

Finish

Mellow vanilla, Toasty spice, Aromatic smoke, Black peppery heat, Malty biscuit-like quality