It gets pretty intense... | Highland Park Cask Strength Release No 3 REVIEW

I've got a single malt scotch whisky from the Highland Park distillery in the highlands today. This is their Cask Strength release. It's one of their more popular releases among enthusiasts. I've got the batch 3 here. I'll taste it and give you my thoughts. Cheers!
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Scores:
0-75 - Crap
75-79 - For cocktails & people you don't like
80-82 - Not bad
83-85 - Getting good here
86-89 - Delicious
90-94 - Awesome
95-100 - Cowabunga Dudes

[@andyking894]

You know it's serious when Geoff busts out the collared shirt. Glory to you, and your house!

[@Gwhisky]

A lil' something for my female viewers, who may or may not be less than 1%. 😂

[@dextercool]

Tippling again - this is no joke - serious stuff - feeling a strong treacle note this evening - an absolute banger.

[@taylorbrasser1597]

You're one button away from a 'wardrobe malfunction.' Anyway good review Geoff

[@Gwhisky]

Wardrobe malfunctions are exclusive to my OnlyFans content. 😂

[@carlmartinlinder]

Technically batch #3 is batch#7. The first 3 batches was only sold in Sweden (Scandinavia?) in 350 ml bottles. I have 3, 5 (1), 6 (2) and 7 (3). The #7 (3) has a slight edge over the previous three.

[@Gwhisky]

I wish I'd kept my Release 2 (your 6) for comparison. I'm told the 3 is smokier, but I got very little subtlety from either of them. Both beasts. In a good way. 🥃

[@olivierbeltrami]

A Swedish client got me one of these 350ml expressions back in 2013. It was quite feisty.

[@dextercool]

I had the release No.1 and just cracked the 3 tonight (I forgot I even had it!). I'd say the No.3 is ever so slightly richer, with a tinge of darker honey, and the smoke is sweeter. Just as enjoyable.The No. 1 had a very bright honey floral note and a delicate smoke - and has a different character.

[@bluesmanen1]

Nice review. To begin with, I'm generally not a big fan of HP due to quite weak specs and not really my taste. But when I recently had the CS Batch 2 and 3 side by side, I change my mind a bit. I really enjoyed both of them (with quite a lot of water). To me the B2 was a bit rounder and a bit sweeter and B3 a bit more oak and tannins. I even might consider to buy them. But when you say that B4 has some port in it, that one become really interesting, I really like when the whisky is port matured/finished

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I'm pretty curious to see what port does to the equation myself. In the meantime this 3 will make a great go-to when I'm in "beast mode." Cheers Mats! 🥃

[@paulm749]

Might have to try this. The bottle of release No. 2 I got early last year wasn't that good, IMHO. Very hot, and just didn't have much complexity - it tasted exactly like what it is: a very young, very strong HP. I ended up using it to mix with standard HP 12. Adding the CS punches up the 12 a bit, and the current 12 can use all the help it can get. At the same time I had the CS, I found an SMOS bottling of a cask-strength 12yo "Orkney" that, for the same money, was light years ahead of the CS - that independent bottling was by far the best Highland Park that I've ever encountered. Unfortunately, it was a limited release single cask bottling, so there won't be any more of it. Too bad HP doesn't seem to want to make whisky of this quality themselves anymore.

[@PezrulezHaakon]

Thank you for the review. This is by far my favourite HP even though I can enjoy the 12 and 18. I have all 3 releases of this whisky. I will get the 4th. Sooo good 😋

[@Gwhisky]

Nice! It's good stuff! 🥃

[@lewisduffy675]

Sounds like a HP I might consider buying. Great review man cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah it's good stuff. Not for the faint of heart. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@allenbt11]

Nice episode. I still had a bit of No.2 to try head to head with No.3. Maybe my palette isn't discerning enough, but I didn't get any difference in the peat. The heather note definitely was missing in the No. 3 though. Very excited to try No.4 and see if the port makes a big difference. Cheers!

[@Gwhisky]

Same here! I've not tried much port-matured HPs. Release 4 could be interesting. Cheers Allen! 🥃

[@justwhisky]

Thanks for this review. Totally relate to your assessment of batch 1 & 2. I bought batch 3 because it was touted as having more old school smoke/peat. I haven’t opened it and after your review I’m no hurry. Cheers 🥃

[@Gwhisky]

It's good, and it might very well be smokier than the 2. I didn't get a chance to do the side-by-side. But it's definitely as intense as previous versions. Absolute beast... which has its charms. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@hilary544]

Geoff- are there Klingons in Taiwan? Klingwans? Yes, totes a nerd, and whisky nerd. Double-nerd, Geoff!

[@hansvaneenennaam457]

You were on full speed with this review. Good job! Definitely want to try this one. I like the 12 y/o old also.

[@Gwhisky]

It's good stuff. Definitely worth trying. I'm also told this is a great way to supercharge some of the more anaemic HPs. I like the 12 myself, but I'm going to try adding a bit of this to my next dram. Cheers! 🥃

[@laurentsteck6086]

Thanks for the nice review Geoff. I never tried a Highland Park CS. I have to try it once. The only bottle that I have from this distillery is the 16 Yo. Quite nice I must say. It's strange that this is bottled at 44.5 %, so more than the 12 and the 18. Cheers

[@Gwhisky]

I've actually looked at that 16 a couple times. It's an odd abv, but the price is fair and if the flavour is there I might just forgive it. Cheers Laurent! 🥃

[@utoobia]

I’m putting about 3.5 teaspoons of water in it. 50 ml dram. Delicious. Pretty sure that’s taking it down under 50% ABV.

[@givemjustice]

I enjoyed it. As a Scotch Single Malt drinker I always live by by the mantra..."No such thing as a bad whisky...just one I don't like."

[@lucienvisser5405]

I think your spot on again. I have release no 1 and the way your tasting notes are, it is just about the same. Mainly it is a BEAST.😂 You need to dilute the hell out of this one and even than it is still a brute. For me it is a mood whisky. Pricewise nowadays (€70 and more) it is getting more on the side of to much for what it is namely well made, full in your face booze.

[@Gwhisky]

Well made in your face booze. Couldn't have said it better myself. And yes, €70 is pushing it. 🥃

[@lucienvisser5405]

Have you ever tried dutch Millstone whisky? They are putting out some nice whisky's lately. They have done a couple of heavely peated px releases that are really good. Dont know if they exporting to Asia though.

[@Gwhisky]

I haven't had Millstone, although I believe there's one shop in Taipei that carries their stuff. I might have to check it out. Thanks for the suggestion! 🥃

[@thewhiskyenthusiast]

Great review Geoff! Hmm port cask you say... I'm keeping an eye out for that!

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I'm very intrigued by the prospect of Port myself. Don't think I've ever had an HP with a port influence. Bonus if it's cask strength! Cheers my friend! 🥃

[@Bowman1999]

I'm with you on the idea of getting a rugged Highland Park. I have the first 3 releases but have only opened #1 and I like it. Looks like I need to crack open the other bottles. Cheers!

[@sentryogmixmaster]

i was scared at first....then i tried it and it was amazing! the 2nd nose is heaven and the flavors superb.

[@Koby616]

Would love to see hp 12 and 10 review!

[@jbar6284]

A few months ago there was just one retailer in my market with HP CS3, ~UKP89, which is 48% higher than it *now* sells for in the UK at UKP60 (HP website), but back then (same HP website) the UK price was UKP50, so 78% higher when originally listed. By way of explanation for that in my view excessive pricing, that single retailer explained they'd bought a single 6-pack through an "intermediary". They still haven't sold out, although it's also possible they may have since replenished. Just recently, a range of other retailers (4 nominally different websites, but all with supply-chain/stock linkages so kind of octopus/hydra-like; 3 are a "group" in the same location, and 1 is semi-separate in another location but "allied"/aligned) in my market have listed both HP CS2 and HP CS3, all for ~UKP106, a "special" price/discount from a purported rrp of UKP123. So that "promotional" price is 77% higher than the HP website (now) in the UK, and the claimed rrp is 105% higher. Presumably HP are still ignoring my market for this product, and those retailers have also bought from an intermediary? Yes, my market is very small and in lots of ways often un-competitive.

[@gareth630]

I think you know my view, use the cask strength to pimp the 40% 12 yr. It makes sense. It is well worth buying if you want a cask strength dram at home, but an indi bottling 12 yr HP might be better?

[@Gwhisky]

I'll definitely be trying that the next time I have a bottle of the 12 on hand. And yeah... IB HPs are the way to go. 🥃

[@finallydone8640]

There has been quite a big price jump on Batch No 4 with VAT it works out at about £80 a bottle from the distillery now.I will buy one to try it but only the once

[@Gwhisky]

Ouch! That's pretty steep. I'll be curious to see what effect the port casks have on Release 4, but I might wait and hear some reviews before I dish out that much for it. Cheers! 🥃

[@BadgerJeff]

The Beast is a good name for Highland Park CS. I feel like this is the first HP that deserves those sweet tribal tatts!!! It is hot, but I enjoy the flavors turned up. Nice review Geoffleman!

[@Gwhisky]

Hah my pleasure, Badgie! 🥃

[@BadgerJeff]

@@Gwhisky 😄 us Gjeofs need to stick together!

[@teddyballgame25]

If you still have the 18 then I highly recommend mixing the CS w the 18. Not sure if the water tames down the smoke, but this is much smokier than the B2.

[@Gwhisky]

The 18 I have is the version at 46%, thankfully, but I might just try that anyway. I can certainly picture it helping the regular release at 43%. Cheers! 🥃

[@vimalrajkappil]

Hay have you tried Bunnahabhain new release Fèis Ìle 2023,matured in Manzanila sherry cask..but i guess it's bit costly

[@Gwhisky]

Not yet. Looks interesting, although I'm not sure about the price... 🥃

[@jbar6284]

Nice review, Geoff, thanks. Have you tried putting a few drops of HP CS into, say, HP18? Or is that too much of a Manx bothyism? If the shirt buttons keep popping you'll be down to your undergruds in nearly no time.🙃

[@Gwhisky]

Well my 18 is the 46% version, but it still might be worth a go. I'd definitely try that out if I had the 43%. Too weak, that one. Eyes up here, buddy! 😉

[@jimmyjazz4605]

Maybe I should give this a go 😮

[@TheReal_DeanD]

My local just put batches 2 and 3 on sale for $74 USD. These were originally $99. I may go for it and have me a Klingon 3 way!! Yes!!! I hope I survive.

[@allanwhittle3041]

Ha ha subtle as a Brick to the face eh 💀🤣 I agree 100% ..I have a couple of bottles of the batch 2 and it’s as you say .full on , almost need as much water as whisky ..just carry on adding and it’s still STRONG 💪 But .there ain’t too much else like it do every now and again , this stuff ticks the boxes , will no doubt buy a batch 3 Thanks G Your a gentleman sir ( ya mam says so 👍)

[@Gwhisky]

Hah yeah I love the over-the-top intensity. Not a lot can match how beastly this is... in a good way. Thanks, as always, for watching my friend! 🥃

[@peathead4450]

Thanks for reviewing, Geoff. Can not say anything on this one (see my comment on the 21yo). So for the curious viewers: I leave it to "agree with Geoff, he has tried it". Slàinte mhath

[@Gwhisky]

Nothing to say yet you still comment. The support is genuinely appreciated, my friend. Cheers to you. 🥃

[@JosephC9]

Alcoholic beverage taxes in Taiwan are not based on the price of a bottle or volume, but rather, on the ABV%! Thats one of many reasons why lower ABV whiskies (Bunna12 46.3% or lower) are relatively cheaper compared to their counterparts. Then we have the 50%abv threshold(PortCharlotte10 or Classic Laddie) you'll see prices normalizing but still good deals. But when you get to the cask strength stuff or 60%abv nectars, prices will go up. Still wont be like those crazy Canadian or New Zealand tariffs though wowee. Much love Gwhisky, keep up the great work!

[@whiskyonthewestcoast]

Nice review man. I don't get the lack of age statement. Maybe it is to give them freedom to blend the profile to their liking but out of these 3 releases I don't think any were under 10 years old. Slap a 9 on it or something. I think the market would have embraced it like the Wee Beastie. It's Cask Strength HP, it sells itself with enough disclosure.

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah I suppose we shouldn't be singling out HP though, I just mentioned it in this particular review because I'm very curious about the age of these CS releases. Personally I get a lot of heat on these, so I might guess that they are actually young. Shame that lower age statements have yet to be embraced. Cheers buddy! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

Hi mr.Geoff ! I like rel.N3 .I pay 65 euro + 21 shipping , little expenssive but ... Cheers !

[@Gwhisky]

Yeah that's more than I paid, but it's such a powerful whisky I'm sure you'll still get your money's worth. Glad you're enjoying it, my friend! 🥃

[@lightplays2181]

@@Gwhisky yes i very liked )

[@mormorgranat]

Yeah its the best HP from what I tried. Sweet and deep. You did it dirty with only 86 though

[@absolutwhisky3105]

How do you compare this with release 1 and 2?

[@Gwhisky]

I didn't try 1, and I like it roughly as much as 2. 🥃

[@ronjuliana3720]

Recently I was in Holland and saw it at a price of 70 euros. I was already filled to overflowing with other bottles and had to skip. Maybe next time?.. Because I have this one in stock 😊 "Highland Park 2005 Independent Whisky Bars Of Scotland Exclusive 57.8% 70cl" Cool review 👌🏻 Shalom FREE Taiwan from Israel 👋🏻

[@Gwhisky]

Wow that 2005 release sounds like a belter. No doubt much better than this. This is a fun beast of a whisky, but it lacks the refinement you'll get with older HPs. Still a fun ride, though. €70 might be pushing it a bit, though. Cheers my friend! 🥃

[@ronjuliana3720]

@@Gwhisky Cheers 🥂

[@jackhammer8439]

Just picked this up 3 days ago. Not a HP super fan at all. But I will say, the more I try them, the more I find I’m leaning into them. That being said. This one is interesting and unapologetic for what it is. But I enjoy it. Also just picked up the Laphroaig 10 CS a few weeks ago. I would turn to that 8 times out of 10 to this one. #bringbackthevneck

[@Gwhisky]

Hah I agree about the Laphroaig CS being more of a go-to. This one's almost too punchy at times. V-neck episode coming up. Just for you, buddy. 😂

[@jackhammer8439]

@@Gwhisky agreed. I never add water. Even to cask strength whiskeys. I had to with this one. Thanks for the review!

[@olivierbeltrami]

These cask strength bottles are probably best used to boost the HP12 by adding a bit.

[@Gwhisky]

Great idea! 🥃

[@numanuma20]

Geoff, age statement doesn’t matter if the whisky is crap. Look at Chivas Regal, it’s an ok whisky that is meant for cocktails.

[@ColinDymond]

That’s who owns Scapa!

[@anthonysillett6678]

The Whisky Exchange in the UK this week are selling Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.3 for £40, I got one on its way.

[@Gwhisky]

Amazing price. Enjoy! 🥃

[@mattpetersen4620]

So sad what has happened to HP. Even at the lower ABV was good, recent bottling boring. Drinking the CS #2 right now. Cask driven and that's it. Sad days. Will give the opened bottle a couple months to see what happens, but doubt it. Will use for blending. Seems good for that.

[@AlinJapan]

Solid review Geoff! I too am a fan of the HP spirit even if the Abvs are less than ideal. I found batch #2 to have a little less burn than the 1st batch, and will pick up #3 shortly.

[@Gwhisky]

As I mentioned in the video, I didn't get the chance to do a side-by-side between the 2 and the 3, but off of memory the burn was about the same. Still an absolute beast! 🥃

[@ironmantran]

THis CS runs 150$CA in Canada . .. I always know HP can do great things before its quality nose dives in the early new millenium. 1980-2000 sees almost al HP at no more than 49% as "cask strength" - even teh 25y ! it took them long enough to break 55% barrier

[@Gwhisky]

Man HP prices in Canada are just insane. 🥃

[@WhiskyWolf514]

So does this mean that you are a Trekkie Geoff? 🖖

[@Gwhisky]

100% yes! 🖖🏻

[@WhiskyWolf514]

Noise mate! Live long and...drink whiskey 🖖🥃

[@deeshmond]

Try the 4th release yet, bud?

[@Gwhisky]

Not yet! 🥃

[@deeshmond]

@@Gwhiskywatching this review as I sip on the 4th release. It is excellent as well (especially with a couple teaspoons of water). The port adds a nice little je ne sais quoi

[@chadwallace3598]

Would totally bang that cling on! 😂🥃

[@Gwhisky]

😉

[@JadenTreOige]

Skål!

[@Gwhisky]

Heh Cheers! 🥃

[@danleonard3600]

Many years ago HP 12 was my first single malt experience and it was excellent. There is no correlation between the HP 12 of recent years and that bottle. They lost me as a customer. There are so many better quality options available. Probably won’t be trying this either.

[@troybornhorst9173]

Good. But $110 out the door here in Ohio.

[@Gwhisky]

Ouch! Too much!

[@mattpetersen4620]

No offense to this guy, but try a HP 12 or 18 from even 2005, and see what they used to deliver. I am hoping they figure this out, because it used to be classic.

[@Gwhisky]

I have no doubt the older HPs were better. 🥃

[@jonathanbean7097]

at this high abv I'd suspect this whisky is no more than 3 years and a day

[@misaghkhosravi4541]

15

[@SouthernGritMagazine]

HP is often too floral for me.

[@jonathanbean7097]

I dont believe you're poor

[@ninetyZeven]

Time for some H ! P ! SAUCE !