Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour

[@kevinw9073]

Oh, you hit on one of my favorites! Love that very light smoky finish! Cheers!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

This continues to be a favourite of mine

[@kacperczak01]

I like this one too, i don't look for anything else.

[@Iwan_Cigfran]

I am very glad you did a review on this Highland Park 12. I have been into Scotch only one year so far, and I wanted to try my first peated Scotch. This seems to be a good one for folks like me. Also in my State of Pennsylvania, Highland Park 12 goes on sale for $8 off tomorrow. I am going to try this one, and tanks for your great reviews!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Glad you found the review useful. Let me know what you think if you do bring it home. Cheers!

[@Mose2305]

A very enjoyable review of the Highland Park 12, I have a bottle and will definitely continue to have one on my bar as a daily sipper . Cheers Jon!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks! I think these reviews are so much easier when you just enjoy the bottle. This is a casual favorite for me. Cheers indeed!

[@cato451]

Edrington owns both Macallan and Highland Park so they both source their magnificent sherry casks from the same place in Spain. I remember the first time I tasted HP 12. It was an epiphany.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

This is one of my favorite Single Malts. The Sherry was not as loud while shooting this, but I really enjoy how they use those amazing casks to age their malt.

[@tarun2449]

HP 12 is one of the best whiskeys I have ever tasted. I used to only drink blends, but then switched to single malts. Moving slowly from Glenfiddich to Aberlour to HP.

[@robertboileau9401]

You hit one of my favourites here Jon. I know you and I have shared comments about how the price of scotch is not always worth it, but this one I'm okay with paying for. I usually buy at least one of these a year. I agree with all of your tasting notes. If I can just add one, because this is something that always stands out for me with HP12. I get a bit of bbq char. Kind of like caramelized porc. Especially in the finish. I like that you use Glenfiddich as your benchmark. My father rarely buys any other scotch. Anyways, he's the one who got me into whisky so I too, because of my personal experience, think of Glenfiddich as like... a painter's blank canvas when it comes to single malts. Thanks for the review.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks for adding the BBQ Char note. I have had that on some more heavily peated expressions, but I'll need to look for it next time I have a pour. I decided to use Glenfiddich as the reference for this series of entrance malts. However, I've enjoyed having it as a starter for many of these reviews. Glad it has a good connection with your father. Cheers!!

[@carlh4350]

The commentor on the other channel about getting bandaid taste was me. Being a long time bourbon drinker, I was very new to scotch then. I ended up giving the bottle to a friend. I have a few more years of scotch under my belt now (all sherry casks). I still don't like peat but i might give this a try again - just to see if my palate has matured any. Cheers. Thanks for the video.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks for commenting here too! I wanted to include your comment in the video because I found it very helpful. Since then, I have been looking for that medicinal note, and it is here in the bottle. I would suggest it is light though. Maybe try ordering an HP12 when out on the town, just so you do not get stuck with a bottle again if it's not to your liking . Cheers!

[@carlh4350]

@@WhiskyNeighbour - I'm fortunate, i belong to a local cigar lounge. They don't serve alcohol but members can bring their own. In my group of whiskey / cigar friends, Someone is always bringing something in, myself included. So if i don't like it, it will just be my contribution to my fellow members that do. It's pretty nice being able to always sample something new. We are a wide range group. We've had up to Macallen 18, Balvenie 21, Bookers, Stagg, Stagg Jr and all the way down to regular ol Jim Beam and 4 roses yellow. But we all contribute what we can and enjoy each others company. Cheers.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@carlh4350 that sounds amazing! Especially the inclusive nature . Enjoy then!

[@thewhiskyfriend]

Carl just watched Jon's video and picked up his comment about medicinal notes.. I have been drinking this regularly for years and unfortunately I have never picked up this note... I have also coincidentally just reviewed the HP12 myself feel free to check it out my friend

[@carlh4350]

@@WhiskyNeighbour - Just thought I'd stop back with an update. HP 12 was on sale for $48 (usually $56) over the holidays. So I've been drinking it with friends over the Christmas/ New Year break. This is much better to me now than years ago. The salty, cereal, malty, sherry flavors are great. I still get a very slight bandaid taste but I really have to hunt for it. So, I guess I'm less sensitive than before. I will definitely pick up a bottle of this every once in a while. Cheers.

[@dennismhac23]

This is on my list. Great review Jon!!!!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks. I think this deserves a spot on everyone's shelf. I hope you enjoy it!

[@scotchrocksred]

great video. just found your channel and i will go back and check out your old videos. have a great evening

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks! I am glad you found me and hope you enjoy a few shows! Do you drink all styles of whisky, or do you tend toward one more than others? Cheers!

[@scotchrocksred]

@@WhiskyNeighbour ...thank you for responding and yes i like many styles of whisky but really prefer the islay whiskies 👍

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

d Mmm. Good choice sir. I greatly appreciate Islay drams too! sláinte!

[@danielmcevoy976]

Glad you're still doing reviews. Another one regular Joe's can get. I love the second third of this bottle so I decant at that point to a smaller bottle. 90/100 for me. Don't like the rediculous Viking rebranding.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great way to save a bottle at the point you enjoy it most. I also agree on the "regular Joe". I see this often at about $48 CND. That Iis a great price for any 12yr Scotch, and then to be rewarded by this flavour. Awesome.

[@drax14QC]

@@WhiskyNeighbour 48$ ! :O it’s 70$ here in Québec, I’m jealous of the prices you have in western Canada ;-)

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@drax14QC We are totally spolied!

[@richardarmitage5976]

I like the way it finishes nice tried famous grouse smoky really good value. these bottom shelf scotch varieties are so much better then expected, cutty sark, j&b, w,w

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Good to hear! I need to try the smoky Grouse. I see it for such a good price around here!

[@drax14QC]

Interesting fact is that Highland Park is one of the single malts used in The Famous Grouse. But I know the Smoky Black has some Glenturret peated malt to add the ‘’Smoky’’ part

[@barrydunham896]

HP 12 is one of my favourites. At the LCBO it's probably the beat bang for buck for Scotch. Deanston virgin oak is right there too. Whats not to.like about HP 12 its got sherry its got smoke, 43% everything I've had from HP has been great. Keep up the good work John

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Heartily agree! Thanks for the encouragement. Cheers!

[@moodesigner]

Least of my fav bottles and distilleries.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

interesting. What are your favourites?

[@felipeherrera6507]

Very good to find your videos, here you have a new follower.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Glad you found me, and thanks for subscribing! Is their a style of whisky you prefer?

[@felipeherrera6507]

@@WhiskyNeighbour Well right know i am enjoying very much my bottle of arbeg 10 and Bruichladdich port charlotte 10, i also like glenffidich 15 very much, my bottle is almost over thou. Greetings from Chile, south america

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@felipeherrera6507 a great selection! Good to know you enjoy pested drams! I certainly love them too. Wow! I suppose you are not having the snow fall I am here ;) Thanks again for dropping in, enjoy the weekend.

[@jarvy251]

I don't normally like peat, but it's so interwoven and complimentary to the rest of the flavors, it just works in Highland Park

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I do enjoy how they put it together, I agree

[@karelhoogendoorn]

I thought I might be sipping on a Glenfiddich 15 this evening Jon, but I got a good deal on this Highland Park 12. My "benchmarks" are a Johnnie Walker Black Label and a Glenfiddich 12 and this one is really nice compared to those ones. From which a prefer the Glenfiddich. Also due to the fact that it's a single malt. The Johnnie Walker might be a bit to sweet with less character. The biggest difference for me (within my modest range of experience in tasting and nosing...) is the long, dark aftertaste. In the smell is has a nice round sweetness and when swallowing it gives a nice punch and drops away in a really warm aftertaste. I really like your style of reviewing, together with the guys from Scotch 4 Dummies. Different energy ofcourse 😃

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks! I love watching those guys too. I hope Mark's sense of taste comes back soon. When you talk benchmarks, HP is one of mine for light peat with a bit of sherry. I love that warm finish too. Thanks for sharing!

[@karelhoogendoorn]

@@WhiskyNeighbour Yeah... His hit by corona as a scotch lover must be devastating. Losing your sense of smell and he looked a lot thinner too. Thnx for your reply Jon. I love my journey till so far and hope to meet my benchmark scotch soon.

[@joseroque1082]

Great video thank you

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

You are welcome

[@ghackney9549]

Love Highland park 12. It's at 43% here in the states so that's the version I'm talking about.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Obviously I agree! Glad you get the 43 version. Cheers!

[@themaltedmancave9499]

Awesome review. Have you tried the 18 yet? It is so good....just wish the abv was a little higher

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Thanks Keith. Sadly I have not. Around here this price is messed up. This bottle? $45. The 18 about $200. Insane.

[@markdavies9319]

Just trying this for the first time and I'm getting Christmas pudding on the nose. It's very nice but glenfiddich is my favourite and can't honestly see any other beating it.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

It is good to have a Scotch you always enjoy. However, the variety speaks to different flavours. Not that one is better than another, but that there are so many different notes to find in Whisky. Enjoy the journey!

[@secordman]

I see at the LCBO they have this Viking Honour version. Does it differ from Highland Park 12 or is it the same whisky? $64.95 right now which isn't bad. Also interested in your Bowmore 12 comparison with Highland Park that I watched. I bought that a couple of years ago for my brother, not knowing anything about scotch. Just was looking for a single malt that didn't cost $100.. When I tasted it I figured that's what all scotch tasted like, i.e. smoky.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Many reviewers talk about how the current HP 12, Viking Honour is less than past 12 year old. Perhaps, but this is certainly intended to be the same as their HP 12. I still enjoy it. Gentle peat, added Sherry notes, often a good value.

[@secordman]

@@WhiskyNeighbour You know, my expectations were so high with this that I didn't really appreciate it fully until I got below half. A lot going on here! Not just light smoke but fruity and I guess flowery notes in there. But I would buy this again.

[@paulgibbs3624]

Just a tad jealous that you guys get it at 43%. All the best👍

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I don't understand why they just don't put this out at 43 everywhere. Must be a reason. Thanks for dropping in and enjoy the weekend!

[@xPhillMcDx]

I think I'm going to go outside my comfort zone here and pick this up for the collection as its on sale for $49.99 (should check out the BSW liquor website, they have some great deals). I really want to try something with sherry finish. I havent had anything with peat, so a bit nervous! Thought this might be a good entrance.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I certainly recommend this for people looking to try peat. As you said, often a good price, and while some argue it has lost its shine, I would say it still has good flavours. Is Sherry influence new to you aswell?

[@xPhillMcDx]

@@WhiskyNeighbour Wow, Ok so I picked this up today and tried just a bit and Im very very surprised. My scotch experience has been very little - I tried both Glenlivet and Glenfiddich - I can appreciate them, but I typically much prefer bourbon. I nosed the highland park and thought "oh dear, what have I done" - but tried it and WOW, I love it. You're right on the money with the peat smoke flavor - not ashy but earthy. Very glad I took the plunge on this bottle. First real sherry cask bottle - I don't think I've had enough to pick up the sherry influence yet. I'm going to pick up the Legent bottle this coming week though so excited for that sherry and wine finish.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@xPhillMcDx Awesome! Glad your first sips are positive. Let me know how it evolves too.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great site, I will need to drop in next time I am in Sherwood Park. Thanks for sharing.

[@xPhillMcDx]

@@WhiskyNeighbour no problem! Funny enough, I've never been there, most places usually price match! I'm a deal hunter haha

[@thewhiskyfriend]

Great job Jon... Defo no medicinal in this for me my friend.. My bottle is the older bottling I loved it so much back then that I bought a case Jon... So I'm well stocked buddy... C u soon .. I might pop in on your live with Chris next week buddy...

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Good idea on the case. This one is always on the shelf, or I'm out hunting a bottle down. Just good whisky! I hope you can find the time to drop in, even just to say hi on your way elsewhere. Cheers!

[@darkoanton5]

I don't know if you can answer this question but does the 12 and 18 start with the same distilled spirit and if so why does the 18-year-old cost about three times as much? Is it almost all quality of casks used?

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I believe they do indeed start with the same distillate. The increase in price is due to the increased loss of spirit (angel's share), increased cost of storing without income, harder use of casks, and then a more careful selection of casks used in the final product.

[@foodquig]

I'm guessing this HP 12 is just about the same as the pre-Viking HP 12?

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I would need to pour it blind against the previous. Perhaps a bit more youthful or cereal. Still, similar enough to tase as you would expect HP12 to taste. IMO

[@guyfrompei]

On my bottle of HP12, it states "natural colour" under the tasting notes on the back...weird, I know.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Well, I think Roy has shown that we can actually taste the colouring distilleries use, so maybe not that weird!

[@samuelrodriguez6707]

Highland Park 12. Just about as perfect as a dram can get IMO

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

At such an excellent price too!!

[@kevinw9073]

Try a couple drops of water to open up the flavor even more :)

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great idea, certainly opens the nose!

[@JadenTreHalcrow]

It's my favorite lol

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Awesome!

[@choppersplace]

This was my first Scotch, when I started my journey 5 mo ago...it has a special place in my heart... I love the dollop of tobacco at the back....nice mild to moderate level...esp for a beginner...had read somewhere that the peat level is around 20ish ppm I think the Viking rebranding is so much nicer than the old boring packaging they had beforehand. Dan and Rex of the whiskey vault say the HP 12 is often a favourite Scotch of the sommeliers in their whiskey training classes See 4:30 in ..kzbin.info/www/bejne/hqDIeoOofr2Ihdk Love it how it walks a middle ground. I have an unopened 18...hope you'll review that alongside the 12.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Great insights! I am afraid I currently do not have an HP 18. Might be awhile till I pick one up. Amazing dram though. Thanks for watching!

[@choppersplace]

@@WhiskyNeighbour think you'll be picking up the 16 yr old Twisted Tattoo? that one is about cdn$115ish ....i'll probably grab a bottle.....was finished in Rioja casks.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@choppersplace that is a little more likely for me. I wouldn't mind hearing a few more thoughts about it too.

[@dane5896]

I recently compared an unopened bottle of HP 12yo I bought in 2011 and a new bottle of HP 12yo VH. The older version was much better. It was richer, and seemed like it has older whisky in it. The new version was a little sprity. Cheers🍸🍺🍻🍷🍹

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

I wish I could do that. Sadly, I have no older bottles to compare it too. This is youthful but I still enjoy how the flavours come together. Cheers indeed!

[@kitcarson7447]

I like this HP12 better than the Macallan12 Sherry finished Scotch.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Me too. The light peat and smoke adds another dimension.

[@officialgranbymusic]

Is the highland park Viking worth $89.95?

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Hard question. I enjoy this, and prices have climbed. However, that is high. Currently, I would pass.

[@officialgranbymusic]

@@WhiskyNeighbour thanks for replying.

[@JAlexanderCurtis]

Ouch, $90? I'd pass. It's great stuff a classic mid-tier. But this can easily be had for $50 or so at Duty Free the next time you are at the airport or something. You could buy 2 bottles for that.

[@gazebo2012]

Hi Jon. I wasn't impressed with this one Ive tried it a couple of times in a bar. I find it very middle of the road for me . It is cheap however but just never bothered picking this one up. Doubt I ever will.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Stick to your tastes Gary! I enjoy it, but since you've tried it twice even, just move along!!

[@Themilkmanskid.]

Highland Park 12: major sugar bom. Left my pancreas a quiverin'.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Woah, certainly more than I found, but thanks for sharing!

[@WhiskeyQuests]

Great description. I have this on my top ten to try list. But every time i go buy a bottle i end up not picking it up. Not sure why that is but everyone seems to like it. I’ll get to it eventually. Cheers!

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Hope you love it too when you get the chance to pick it up!!

[@trippmiller6199]

I was unimpressed w this scotch. For the money I can’t buy new HP 12 again

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Fair. What other affordable, lightly peated Scotch do you enjoy?

[@user-ml3dg9rk3f]

You seem to mispronounce Islay?

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

Lol! I do sometimes. I certainly know how to say it properly, but sometimes my mind slips! Do you enjoy HP12?

[@user-ml3dg9rk3f]

I've never tried HP 12. In general I prefer Islay whiskies, especially Laphroaig and Ardbeg and dislike everything Speyside. My mates on the other hand like Speyside Scotch, so I thought HP 12 would be a good compromise. We're gonna have three bottles at the weekend: Highland Park 12, Talisker 10, and Caol Ila 12 (also an Islay whisky). Cheers for the review.

[@WhiskyNeighbour]

@@user-ml3dg9rk3f I am with you on preferring deep, robust peat. However, like your mates, not everyone is with us. HP 12, adds some light sherry notes and enough earthy quality to keep it interesting IMO. I hope you enjoy it!