This is the third release in the Highland Park Cask Strength series, and it’s a beast at 64.1% ABV—what Whisky Advocate’s Gavin Smith calls “Classic Highland Park—turned up to 11!” Crafted with a mix of first-fill sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, plus a smaller amount of refill casks for that extra depth and balance, this is a dram that’s not shy about its intensity. The higher proportion of Orkney peated malt amps up the smoke, making it a full-throttle expression of what Highland Park can be. As always with cask strength whiskies, play around with water to unlock the layers of complexity and balance that this series has become known for.

Nose:
Sherry bombs right off the bat, with chocolate-covered raisins and prunes, followed by cigar smoke and the earthy scent of a damp, flower-strewn meadow.

Palate:
Starts with a fiery kick, featuring a mix of salt, pepper, brown sugar, and spice—think of it like a barbecue dry rub. Burnt caramel and walnuts add to the rich, smoky profile.

Finish:
The finish is a journey in itself, beginning dry with ashy fireplace notes, asphalt, tannic oak, and a touch of bitter peanut shells. But stick with it, and you’ll find a rich sweetness lurking underneath, with dark chocolate and pomegranate molasses rounding things off.