ralfy review 892 - Highland Park 10yo @ 40%vol:

[@davidf2281]

9:53 'Cartoonish' is precisely the right word. The horrible faux-celtic bottles along with idiotic names like 'dragon legend' are destroying the brand, in my opinion.

[@KNURKonesur]

This one is very often available in Poland for less than 20GBP, and at that price it's a viable option for a lot of people starting with their malt journey and are really hesitant to spend money. Great review as always Ralf!

[@Btone1111]

Funny thing about this whisky (and many more on the polish market) is that you could easily get it for less than a 100 PLN just a few years ago, when it was quite rare and new in the shops. But now, since people got to know it as a very good whisky in this price range, it’s getting harder and harder to get for less than 120 PLN. Of course, it is not much of a difference but it surely is noticeable and my opinion is that many whiskeys are introduced to our market at a fairly low price just to get more expensive after people get to know and like them. Same story with Glenlivet and - in the bourbon department - Wild Turkey. Just a humble observation :)

[@KNURKonesur]

@@Btone1111 agreed!

[@derekthedullard]

Natural colour is listed on the back of the bottle Ralfy. All Edrington malts are natural colour with no added e150 at all.

[@kellyj5389]

40% and chill filtered is still rubbish. Kool aid.

[@krisverding3908]

Stated on the bottle : TASTING NOTES : natural colour ........ , that's odd !

[@tonychettleburgh8953]

Ralfy , it states clearly on the back of the label on the Highland Park 10 yr old, ‘natural colour’ bought mine from Sainsbury’s , regards Tony.

[@seanreeves3503]

I raise my glass to you Ralphie. So nice to share a whiskey with you, you are like a breath of fresh air in this mad world.

[@wyattalexander4041]

I haven’t watched one of your whiskey reviews in a while but I was here from the start I learned a lot of my basic knowledge from your channel and I have grown considerably since those many years ago. I watch this video because it came up in my feed and what you say at the end is extremely true and what you say about Highland Park I think about other whiskeys all the time I think of what McAllen has done so many others going down that path of marketing making unready whiskeys one day we will be the 10% cheers

[@NeilImmortal]

The best component of the new HP bottles is the cork, I love the twist, makes it so much more secure.

[@herdware]

Many years since I bought a bottle of Highland Park and reviews like this doesn't really make me want to buy one again anytime soon. So many other whiskies to discover.

[@DeerHunter308]

yrd, correctabundo

[@hoodwiser7652]

The cask strength bottle is really good, though. You're bound to miss out on some gems if you just dismiss everything a single distiller offers. I'm not saying buy this bottle from the review, simply that Highland Park do have some great bottles worth exploring.

[@herdware]

@@hoodwiser7652 Not saying I'll never buy HP again b/c I've liked the ones I've bought yesteryear but I there are so many I've never tried and they get priority.

[@hoodwiser7652]

@@herdware I do understand, we're living in a time where there is more choice than ever before.

[@thenosehero]

About 5 years ago when I was starting with my whisky journey one of the first bottles I bought was a highland park 12(no viking subtitle back then) and found it fascinating, in that it was very minimal up front, but had an incredibly powerful finish, at least to my novice palette, then they rebranded it as the current viking theme and while it's now more interesting up front, the finish has greatly diminished, so overall the new version was a bit of a disappointment. I'm beginning to forget the details, but I have one bottle of the old version stashed away, which I'll open in a few years time once I completely forget what's in it. Interesting to hear your perspective as always.

[@rasklaat2]

Highland Park went downhill very sharply just before the rebranding happened. Some old style bottles were brilliant, in the last two years or so they were... shite. You apparently were lucky to grab a good one.

[@tundramanq]

Agree with you on changes at Highland Park - some OK and some disasters. I have HP 12, 15, 18yo and several of the recent "designer"/theme bottlings. For me the sweet spot is the original 15yo where everything seems great and in balance. The only 10yo I used to buy and it is no longer available was Old Fettercairn for use in hot coffee with Hazelnut creamer as a great smoky body warming treat. Now I use Talisker 10yo in the coffee.

[@dagvsteb5323]

Hi Ralfy, I enjoy watching your videoes. I'm a whisky fan from Norway, have a few single malt on my shelf. I also read Serge's blog Whiskyfun. He says that this one, the Highland Park 10 years, is very good and gives it 90 points. He had it even as a malt of the month. How can you two be so diffenrent? I like the 10 y very much, even better then the 12 y, but of course the 18 y is the best in my opinion.

[@alehhandro1]

Deciding where to allocate my September whisky fund. Narrowed my choices down to Highland Park 12 yo and El Dorado 15 yo Rum. Never had either. This review and the comments are weighing on the side of El Dorado. Thanks yet again Ralfy and Maltmates!

[@johng4991]

Going back to 1987 I visited the distillery and the guide was banging on about they don't add caramel. I bought two bottles of 12 yr old from the shop drank one and still have the other one. Good whisky then brill distillery tour.

[@keithmelvin-uk7vu]

I am glad you relented a bit after a wee bit watter- this is really a different blend of casks IMHO - it is more pronounced smoke, phenolic, floral notes and dryer - almost like a peaty speyside. But I did think it was immature, but would be a good , lighter matured whisky with less dried fruit and peat than the 12 (and rather poor 14 attempt they made) . In a word, a different malt than the 12. I'd give the 12 a higher than 82 was it, and this a lower maybe 79, work-in-progress.

[@Wiggi147]

You’re knowledge and passion is captivating great watch cheers!

[@ameen3912]

Oh do I miss the old bottle of Highland Park 15 which has since been discontinued - the new stuff just does not seem up to par. Rafly thanks for all the videos - I am starting to look forward to Mondays calling them "must watch Mondays"

[@davidclaassen6977]

Actually Ralfy the artwork on Highland Park bottles is almost An exact copy of the woodcarvings on the Stavechurch of Urnes Norway and therefor from the very end of the viking age or a bit later. However it is safe to say it is not Celtic. Cheers,

[@beardyauthor]

Hello Ralfy, thank you so much for doing this video! Great to hear your opinion, as always! When I tried this the my first thought was: “well, the corporate money making machine strikes again”.

[@scottyblog]

To get a chance to taste what Highland Park used to be and could still be, try the 25 or 30 at any whisky bar that sells it by the pour. Or, try the 18 but the 18 that is the old bottling circa 1990s or late 80s vintage. That’s where the real sweet spot of the distillery can be discovered.

[@tomaszstruszczyk]

They actually state "natural colour" on the back label funnily enough as a first sentence in "tasting notes" 😁

[@thewhiskybothy]

'natural colour' is stated AS a tasting note. Thats the problem.

[@thewhiskybothy]

@@derekthedullard . . . we can see it in context, others may not. It's an issue of properly presented clarity. Natural colour is not a tasting note. Why show it as one.

[@thewhiskybothy]

@@derekthedullard . . . clarity, some people will be confused, and they do not need that.

[@gariochsionnach2608]

Agree with Ralfy - "natural color" is not a tasting note. Whether colouring substance is added, or not, is not a matter of opinion; it is an empirical / objective matter. Tasting note is an opinion; it is subjective. If you put "natural color" in a tasting note, are you saying "natural color" is an opinion? If that is the case, you are on a very slippery slope of categorical (& mischievous?) confusion ... "Everyone is entitled to his opinion, but not to his own facts".

[@tomaszstruszczyk]

One thing's for sure. Integrity and transparency should be mandatory in that business (I applaud Bruichladdich for that), so that prople who pay a lot of many know what they're drinking. And E150 should be banned as it is in boutbon.

[@patrickconlon86]

Expert review, the bottle design puts me off for the very reasons mentioned. I receive a bottle of Einar from HPs warrior series and enjoyed it. Hopefully more focus on the whisky because I feel they have some great whisky but the lower proof doesn't do it justice.

[@Nick-mg5xl]

you make a really interesting point about the 1% becoming the 10% in hard times. I hadn't thought about it that way. maybe if you keep harping this point, we'll see more distilleries retain their commitment to quality in some of their OBs...

[@fdonnelly9008]

Because of the German law that requires 'fuller disclosure' it does state on German suppliers websites that it is 'Ohne Farbstoff' or without colouring. But as you say Ralfy why don't they just put it on the label..?

[@dannystewart9482]

There was a bottling of 10yo at 43% but that doesn't seem to have been available in Scotland. For what it's worth, I do enjoy this one, as a lighter "afternoon" dram.

[@robfut9954]

I wish I would have tried HP back in the day when it was in its stride. What I’ve tried these days has not impressed me. It’s fair stuff, but I have yet to buy any bottle twice.

[@toolthoughts]

I tried this a year or two ago. It certainly was less mature than the twelve year old. Less than might be expected from even a ten year old. The spirit in the forefront was a bit harsh. Decanting/aerating a couple times helped a lot to balance it and bring the flavors to the forefront, as did adding a bit of water. I actually found it fairly refreshing after that. In some ways I preferred it to the 12, maybe because that one is such a staple, and frankly kind of intentionally mainstream and unchallenging. At least this one had some small surprises in flavor to coax out of it. I'm pretty sure the back label stated natural color.

[@toolthoughts]

The branding certainly comes across a bit heavy handed, but I try not to judge either way on account of external aesthetics. The moulded details aside, I do like the overall shape and silhouette of the bottle.

[@jamesw6403]

I remember the days when I used to get HP 18 for less than £70.

[@scottgoodman8993]

I don't drink, but I like Ralfy's reviews, his analysis, speech patterns, attitudes, friendliness, candle and darlek doll.

[@metab0rk]

Used to love the old Highland Park 12 bottle. This nasty new moulded 'Viking' branded glassware puts me right off.

[@Malt454]

As distinctive as it is in setting the brand apart, I think the whole viking thing is overdone and ridiculous; there were, and are, no vikings making whisky on Orkney.

[@postscript67]

Better than the old bottle Ralfy shows was the one before that. It had a very distinctive look, similar profile from bottom to shoulder, but then conical-shaped from shoulder to a wide neck. It was stylish and had class. Someone should tell Highland Park that in design, less is more. And as someone who grew up within a mile of the distillery, I think all the Viking shtick is ridiculous!

[@theWhiskyLegends]

Hi Ralfy. The moment they will put sparkles in the whisky, I will stop drinking (luckily, I have a few bottles saved for the future). But as long as we have treasures like you around, there is still hope, people will be more aware about quality and they will stay away from aggressive marketing. Slainte!

[@777anarchist]

You should task Clive with designing a "whisky bottle of tomorrow". That would be fun.

[@MrMustardfinger]

Not tried this bottle but I have to admit I really enjoy the HP 12 year old as a go to sipper. Im still fairly new on my Whisky journey after coming from rum but I do drink a fair few cask strength bottles from my friends and of course its worlds apart. Still its just got something about it I cant get enough.

[@Jimmy-es8bc]

I went into this dram really not expecting much but it surprised me. Very drinkable and I really enjoyed it. A budget (ish) whisky is buy again. 8/10 is a fair score.

[@renevanderzee108]

In the previous century Highland Park was a favourite of mine, but when I had the current HP I was quite disappointed, haven't had another because of that. Too bad.

[@MrPsiman]

I don't think they are going to bring the HP 10 year to U.S. but they did release the new HP cask strength #2 last week that is said to be here by October in U.S. $90-ish. Got last years for $73 and I hope to get the new one for under $80.

[@timthewhiskynut477]

I'm not sure about the lower-end bottlings but many of the modern limited Highland Parks do have "cask driven colour" or "natural cask driven colour" printed on the labels. Would've preferred they just say "no added colour" or "natural colour" of course!

[@Deliquescentinsight]

I have yet to try Highland Park, I have definitely sampled quite a few Malts, this one will be next I feel- but I think the 12 year old will be a better experience Thank you.

[@danmorgan7775]

Highland Park was an early favourite at the start of my malt whisky journey but I have found it to be underwhelming in recent years. I don't dislike it per se it's just that there are so many other integrity malts out there that have a lot more complexity to offer.

[@johannessauer3758]

I used to like HP a lot many years ago but actually it was the first whisky ever to get a serious hangover (as well many years ago...)

[@patzijlstra6676]

question: does the temperature of storing a barrel has influence on the way whisky ripes? a remark: I tasted a 15 year old Highland Park some weeks ago....what a taste!

[@pinanti]

Ralfy , my mother in law gave me yesterday a bottle of Highland Park 10 Y : on the back of the bottle they mention : Natural Colour. I don't like the look of the bottle : too much " bling bling " , but I like the whisky. If you wait enough it is nice peated !

[@markwebster8743]

I’ve had some great highland parks in the past. Best one I’ve had in recent times was an Adelphi bottling, it wasn’t called Highland Park but breath of the isles but you could tell it’ was HP. Went off them a bit a few years ago when they hiked up the price of the 18 to over £100 . The 18 was a great whisky at £60 but the massive hike detracted from the experience and for me I didn’t think the quality matched. In my opinion that whisky was the start of the price inflation we see now. Not many 18 year or 15 year old whiskies below the £100 nowadays. I’ve seen the 10 on the shelf but bottling at 40% puts me off as you know it’s been chill filtered and although it is reasonably priced in the supermarkets I would rather spend on something that hasn’t been so processed. Just my opinion

[@solrac4600]

Highland Park 12 was my first single malt, me and my brother in law drank it together celebrating the great news that my wife was pregnant in 2006. I'm sad to say it had gone downhill in recent years (my opinion) and I'm not going to bother buying the 10 year old.

[@WhiskyLock]

Highland Park is a distillery that I *want* to love. Largely because of the fantastic bottles of yester-year. but I think you hit the nail on the head with the comment on who they are marketing to. Sadly it seems like HP often take their affordably priced expressions less seriously than some of their long suffering fans do. But still I hope!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . look for Indi-bottlings called 'Orkney'

[@kesfitzgerald1084]

Highland Park was the first distillery and likely the first whisky, I ever tasted - nearly 30 years ago now. Only old people drank whisky then and there were seemingly lakes of it, some of it very old. Such was the case with Highland Park. My goodness, it was once a great whisky, apart from independent bottlings, I am afraid it has become very average.

[@waynemontpetit8181]

Love this channel! I'm a newb and I'm learning a lot on Ralfy's channel 🙂

[@onYTsince2008]

If you remember these 4 recommendations, you'll be a malt-mate in no time. Age statement (whenever possible), 46% (or more the merrier), non chill-filtered & natural colour.

[@waynemontpetit8181]

@@onYTsince2008I'm already discovering what a difference ABV makes in terms of flavor. I always assumed (incorrectly) that high proof = a hotter whiskey. The flavors are so much more pronounced and complex with a higher ABV!

[@mark5ization]

@11:04 - The Goldschlager sell?!!

[@aleksanderjoannidis2590]

Never had try HP10yo but got last weekend HP dragon legend and can’t wait till next weekend, ! Maybe some day we will get your review of Dragon Legend ! Btw … Any of you guys had it ?? What’s your experience compared to 10yo!?

[@meesternibbles]

Spot on with the change in hp... A friend that's a HP fanatic bought an early 2000s bottling of the hp12. The difference in the sherry influence was quite dramatic. If it's a sign of the scotch market trying to keep up with ever expanding demand or just a cash grab or some combo of that I don't know... But the quality has gone done in a noticable way if you can be lucky enough to A-B compare some versions.

[@nagygabor4177]

For the first time (as far as I can remember) I respectfully disagree with you. Very few distillates can get away with a basic presentation like this one, but HP is one of them in my opinion. Undermatured and overdiluted as it sure is, it's still ridiculously enjoyable, especially for the price.

[@americo04]

11:45 - I was curious to see what was your most watched videos, and interestingly, it is not the likes of Lagavulin, Laphroaig, Macallan, Balvenie or Bushmills. It is Johnny Walkers followed by Johnny Walker and so on. I found interesting that you show more interest into Pitted Malt, but the viewers interest are maybe more into blended, or I dare say, more susceptible to marketing exposure; but nonetheless, we are all here to learn from an experienced master taster.

[@heinerlauter1211]

I think the 2 years in the cask from 10 to 12 years are more important than the 3-4 years from 12 to 15/16 years of age

[@jonsnow6741]

wonders if anyone knows much about the Highland park rare old collection . I have a 1967 bottled in 1998. Is it real or some fake ?

[@JH-lm2hx]

Whilst in Orkney, how about a comparative review of Scapa's current offerings, the NAS Skiren, and the NAS Peat Cask Finished Glansa? Would be interesting and instructive to have your thoughts!

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . As Scapa is such a good malt, WHY not add age statements to improve presentation ?

[@JH-lm2hx]

@@thewhiskybothy Sorry if this is a duplicate reply. I think it's because they are still working their way through the historical gap in production in the "mothballed years". They do offer age statement cask strength whiskies in their Distillery Reserve Collection, in fairness, though they aren't cheap.

[@MurrayCohenbluesandwhisky]

Ralfy, I did have a bottle of Highland Park 10 year about a decade ago here in Canada. The 12 year available here is 43% ABV. and currently the 10 year here is at 40%. However, I can't be sure but I thought the much earlier offering of the 10 year in Canada a decade ago may have been bottled at 43% too but I just can't say for sure. Does this ring a bell with you? I do remember thinking at that time that the particular 10 year old I had was every bit as good as the 12 year and may have been a touch better. Sounds like the current version may have changed.

[@wouterblom7569]

Hi Ralfy, nice down-to-earth review! Any chance I could buy that old HP12 off your hands?? Would be awesome!

[@VeryUsMumblings]

Just in case anyone needs to know: a malty machine-head manipulating musician is a whisky-drinker who is tuning a guitar.

[@autoculto7629]

How much are we paying for those bottles ? I'd sooner have a basic container with better quality contents

[@johannessauer3758]

Highland Park is like the Beck's Beer of whisky.... Used to be a respectable beer (dram) but nowadays it doesn't taste like much and you're likely to get an hangover...

[@by14996]

I think your good brother already uses the 'sparkles' and calls the beverage 'Radium' !! :)

[@recoveringknowitall1534]

Would you say HP12 is a good introductory to scotch?

[@michaelgonzalez347]

Ralfy, you mentioned getting the older bottles from auction. Are there any trustworthy worthy whisky auction sites you would recommend?

[@prestonw3878]

Yeah I see a blended scotch called Sia being marketed as a kinda club drink. I also see Glenmorangie putting out a flashy bottle meant to be put into a mixed drink. I guess thats what the distillerys are forced to do in today's industry... May your shelves always be full of integrity bottlings!

[@calvinwade2751]

Ralfy you gotta try the 8yo queen Margot from Lidl!!! Best bang for your buck around!! Trust me

[@calvinwade2751]

Ps ralfy your videos no longer come up on my notifications, you may be low on viewings if it's happening others 👍

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . due to KZbin algorithms ! A sort of censorship.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . .It is good !

[@luctaggart1793]

I also enjoyed Lidls Glen Orchy 5yo. Perhaps not quite as much but worth a try

[@calvinwade2751]

@@thewhiskybothy I just noticed I was unsubscribed, I've been watching you years and it did this.. wtf is going on.. that's bad form on their behalf!!

[@namtaffy101]

Have to say you're spot on with your view here Ralfy. Highland Park is slipping. I often pick a blend over this malt these days. Certainly won't be replacing any of the bottles until they up their game. I don't agree on your view of NAS and I don't think the industry are going to change. NAS has it's place at both the low end and middle of the market. But there is no excuse for chill filtration or colouring. Not too bothered about the bottle. Who cares about bloody vikings though!

[@DrCorollary]

Ralfy thank you for the passion. Do Paddy. Cheers

[@nicktheflybradley]

Hi Ralfy, I got a bottle of this, low priced, but was very disappointed. Nick from York

[@dej7887]

Another honest opinion from Ralfy.

[@bongson691]

Hi ralfy Hope you are doing well, just watched your review on Highland Park 10 year old, I bought a bottle of Highland Park 12year old awhile back and, it's so bad that I have sworn off of any future purchases of Highland Park,just don't like it at all, I think you gave the 10year old a blessed score of 81, have a great day ralfy, and cheers !!!

[@thomaselmer9728]

Fluorescent color, do you mean like the beautiful robins egg blue of a Bruichladdich?

[@Thomas_Ekstrom]

Actually i have already start buing independet bottled Highland Park from those who use regular 70cl whisky bottles.

[@andrewjudd9001]

I think that if Highland Park didn't mess about so much with the marketing, they could be one of the best distilleries

[@Bob-ts2tu]

i'm not sure what it is about highland park, it's not that i disike it per-se, it's just that i can't get on with it as much as others. i've tried a few expressions & 2 weeks ago i bought the 16yo twisted tatoo hoping i would be swayed, but sadly wasn't, so although it wont be wasted, it's just not a go-to scotch for me

[@pesti75]

Ei Ralf, Serge gave HP10 2019 - 90 points mark. You think it went so down with quality in two years?!

[@TehNakidGod]

I don't think so, I just don't think Serge got that right at all, he has loads of bad reviews

[@JasonDebly]

Highland Park seems to have gone down hill after Gerry Tosh left. The first of many bad decisions by Edrington.

[@howardfoster4393]

Total respect for all your reviews Ralfy but have to disagree with you on this one. Think it’s an excellent whisky at 40% and natural colour. Jon at whiskyneighbour gives a very accurate review on this in my opinion. Highland Park 10 and 12 are real go to whiskies and will always be in my collection.

[@finnroohomebrewing]

And I totally agree, and I really love the bottle too. Really Cheers mate 😎👍

[@David-gu8mx]

Agreed

[@unityproject2279]

Serge from whiskyfun went mad for this.. 90 points from the whisky veteran. Interesting to get your take on it Ralfy, I don't know if I should buy it or not. I think I will explore it one day..

[@alexk3088]

Now this is what I'd call a "loving takedown" :) Because I feel the same way: I'm quite fond of Highland Park (the distillery), it was one of my early "step up" malts from the basic glens (thanks to Ralfy recommendations). And I did manage to pick up a previous bottling of 18 (at 43%) and that's a delight. And Dark Origins, despite being a younger NAS, slightly rough around the edges, was presented at higher abv and I enjoyed it (after it was discounted). So as someone who enjoys HP it really pains me to see the brand going this way. I'm not a boycotter, if I see them on clearance, I might pick it up, but I am not seeking out the current official bottlings of HP. Those bottles are an insult to my senses and when coupled with reports that the contents have suffered I am really inclined to move on, which I have.

[@robfut9954]

Ugliest and least “serious” looking bottles in all the whisky world. When I last bought a bottle I kept it in the cupboard so that guests wouldn’t see it on my shelf.

[@Soldano999]

At 25€ a bottle i don't think i can find a better product. It's not the best whisky but it is one of the best for this price.

[@martinbeen]

ALso have this one in the glass. It is a good whisky for its value, nothing wrong with it, but yes, it is kinda simple.

[@ACHUNDOI]

Thanks Ralfy I have never tasted HP and was put of by the tacky bottle and Viking theme BS. I will continue my hunt for the older versions.

[@johannessauer3758]

I just compared this bottle with an independent bottling (Berry Bros Rudd Orkney 2009) which I liked much better but it had cost me more than three times than this budget whisky.... ) For this price (below £25 at Waitrose) it's still a nice dram ... I liked it but rated it though below Ralfy's malt mark (76/100)

[@michelnormandin8068]

I am a budget conscious consumer. Never spent more than 155,00$ CAD for a 750 ml bottle. I bought one 12 yo HP, 6 years ago. Never bought another one. In the less than 70$ range there are more pleasurable single malt whiskys. Last year I tasted the 18 yo at my favorite whisky bar. It was a dull experiment simply lacking character probably due to oxidation.

[@Wongwongwong10000]

Highland Park in Canada from Magnus, 10 and the 12 use to be great deals. Now the 12 is 76.00 but the other two are affordable. The rest of the range is very expensive. The snobs hate Magus, 10 and 12 but the love the expensive Highland Park whiskey’s, but if you really taste the bottom range of Highland Park there very well made whiskey’s. The snobbery in whiskey is pathetic.

[@DavidUKesb]

Wasn't HP regarded as the best whisky in Scotland around 25 years ago?

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . yes, 25 years ago.

[@brian6x]

I like that bottle! I like fancy.

[@joemartin7227]

I always feel with a whisky with this type of marketing guff is that I'd rather the 6 figures they paid to the marketing consultants would have been better spent on better cask stocks...

[@diymechanic4378]

Can I send you a special edition arran 10 year to review?

[@sav7568]

None of the current releases of Highland Park contain caramel but I can't comment on that older 12. It does look quite dark.

[@willemkilian9563]

I just don't know who this is for exactly. I can understand that it's an affordable and accessible option for beginners, but where I'm at, it's literally just R50 cheaper than the 12-year-old (which with current exchange rates is exactly £2.50). If they could make this bottle the new standard entry-level and bump up the 12-year-old to 46% abv and unchillfiltered, I would gladly pay a little extra for the 12. Just hope I won't have to pay even more for an even fancier bottle and glitter by then ;-)

[@ianwoodrow78]

I suppose there are better whiskies, but in the same price range? The target for UP 12 are buyers looking to pay 25 quid in a supermarket. HP is chasing that market. People no longer want to drink blends but want to drink malts but still only want to pay slightly more than blends. Plus the rising popularity has put pressure on stock and barrels to use. You can't make an amazing 12yo to be sold at 25 quid in high volume now. But neither can makers meet demand by selling 46% whisky using good quality casks, mixing in older whisky, and selling at £40.

[@oliverdramgood8938]

HP is a shadow of its former self. Try independant bottlings. There you have some better qualities and with the label "secret orkney" a much better value for money too.

[@HerbertDuckshort]

The actual whisky aside I reckon that Highland Park’s marketing department has been outsourced to Marvel Comics. Expect “Thor’s Hammer” (N.A.S.) and “Loki’s Distiller’s Choice” very soon.

[@RonsHere123]

I wonder what The Vikings would think?

[@sav7568]

How is a poor suffering dummy like me supposed to tell the difference between a Ragnvald and a Harald ? Does a Valknut compare better with a Speyside or would that be a Valfather or a Dragon Legend ? Everything I know about dragons I learned from Harry Potter so what chance do I have against this lot ? Whenever I see one of these HP whiskies on the shelf, rather than add to the confusion, I move on to the next label.

[@neorecormon1769]

this comment made me laugh LMAO

[@sav7568]

@@neorecormon1769 Those are real HP whisky names. Dumb.

[@xxLIBERTYorDETHxx]

Funny enough, the more bling the bottle the more likely I am to look right past it.

[@gavsdrams]

Never been a fan of the OBs I do think the IBs are better

[@Mr_Blootered]

Had some beautiful IBs of HP recently (notably Duncan Taylor). Just picked up the new 10 and 12 so will put them to the test soon.

[@pokeround]

I've only been drinking Scotch for the last three years and, even in that short timeframe, virtually every one of them has degraded in quality, from Laphroaig 10 to JW Black. I'm struggling to maintain interest at this point. Very sad. HP12 has become much lighter and less characterful so I might give the 10 a go for (perhaps) a little more peatedness.

[@thewhiskybothy]

. . . I tend to agree with you.

[@JimmyLeg]

HP can have all of the consumers. They haven't gotten my money in years.

[@NealKanter]

Ralfy, lets meet on my square foot plot of Laphroaig!