whisky review 271 - Highland Park 18yo (Island Region)

. . . an older (more expensive) decent Malt from a classic Distillery which reflects the Island Style (if there is such a thing !)

[@adamradford2285]

Hi Ralfy I got a good batch of this, was incredible! Thanks for the tasting notes, I also took your advice to slow things down with the older age statements.. was definitely rewarded for doing this - another great tip. Thanks mate

[@IgnatzKolisch]

How many KZbin videos on ANY subject approach Ralfy's level of instruction without being boring? The answer may very well be zero. I can't believe how much I learn from these videos! And I can't wait for the Islay whiskys, my absolute all-time favourite. There's nothing quite like taking that first sip of a superb Islay, and after finishing it, breathing through your mouth, and savoring that amazing peatiness.

[@xandermac626]

My favourite malt....so far. Thanks for this and for all your other informative , quirky reviews. One of the stars of youtube

[@markanderson8677]

I'd love to see this review updated in 2024

[@nicholasmartin1881]

Highland Park 18 in my top 3 best scotches ever. Its the one I always crave

[@tedjevanes8601]

I found a dusty bottle of HP18 in a local liquor store. I like to collect Highland Park but purely for drinking. Cheers maltmates

[@anderspalm4859]

Yesterday Highland Park launched it's first cask strength edidion exclusively on the swedish market. To my surprise it reminded me more of a better/fully matured HP 15, just more complex. There's no age spec, but I'd guess somewhere around 20 years. There's a lot more oak going on and despit the 56% alcohol its very smooth. So smooth that it's easy to add to much water. Just a few drops is needed - and sit back and enjoy a complex full flavour! Hope fully HP will lauch it in UK. You deserve it!

[@MrBrrrki]

They adressed the inconsistency all right! Now every bottle of 18 is 80/100 :D

[@andyb9664]

😃😭

[@fredlabosch5164]

🤣

[@aframs-cctaf-rams-cct6424]

Bring this back ralfy. I reckon there’s new info on all of this! So fun

[@glytch5]

I decided to open my older bottle of the 18, wow am I glad I did! Amazing stuff!

[@keithmelvin-uk7vu]

Still variable bottlings / batches Ralfy! my pouring-brand 12 yo varies, but actually I like it that way ...one every other month, only two out of say ooh, 20 bottles been poor. The 10 yo is worth a pop too, being destinct - lighter , peat-smoke and phenolic little floral and dryer - almost like a peated speyside I tried a 14 and it was just not good and dont think they have done it since.

[@eoiggj]

long wait is now over, thank you ralfy!

[@notme123123]

My dear wife just picked me up a bottle of Highland Park 18 for my birthday. I hope, when I open it, that it turns out to be "one of the good ones!"

[@sonicology]

Hi Ralfy, some advice from a fan who also happens to be a native Orcadian! You refer to Orkney several times as an island when as I'm sure you know it's actually an archipelago of some 72 islands. Southerners tend to call us "the Orkneys" which we find somewhat irritating so you get points for not making that mistake! Calling us "Orkney" is preferred but you would have to say the Orkney Islands rather than the Island of Orkney. Incidentally most of the locals here seem to prefer Scapa to HP.

[@fishdweeb123]

Thank you for your insight and research. I always buy my father a good single malt for Fathers Day. Today I picked up this 18yr (I have enjoyed the 12 yr a great deal and am anxious to see how the 18 yr compares) Your reviews are the best! Tomorrow a wee dram of Highland Park 18yr with my father.

[@MrKinaidos]

I've also found that HP 12 and 18 seem to vary more for the same bottle over time than any other whisky I've had does. I've had them get both better and worse over time, and markedly so, to the point of it not being recognizable as HP, and when a bottle has gone off no amount of patience or careful watering seems able to bring the dram back to life.

[@adamradford2285]

Hi Ralfy, thanks again for a great review and helping me make sensible choices when I buy my whisky. The added knowledge really helps . Adam

[@FermentedGrains420]

I have no doubts you taste those 800 descriptors you named, but honestly the more random things you name, the less helpful the review is IMO. I'd prefer the dominant tasting notes and a comparison to other scotches to put them in context.

[@alexk3088]

I totally hear you, malt mate, but to be fair, it can become its own indulgence - spotting distinct notes. I write down my own tasting notes not intended for anybody else, but it's really gratifying to spot something new. As for others' notes, yes, I tend to be distracted. I watch for objective info. Everyone gets different notes. On the other hand, I always chuckle when all someone describes in a bourbon are caramel and vanilla and oak. But you're right and I've seen Ralfy stop himself in more recent posts.

[@XerxesGammon200]

8-18-2017 I bought this in the USA . It is fantastic. Don't be afraid to buy this amazing Scotch

[@DaDutchGuy95]

the highland park 18yo is simply astonishing! so many flavours!

[@RadioLaboratory]

Terrific idea. Will do. cheers Ralfy. many thanx

[@quickclot1]

I've waited a long time for this. . . Popped my first bottle of HP18, first glass is to you Ralfy, Cheers! The nose seems much different from the 12 year. Smells a bit fruitier, the wood comes out a bit more too. Taste, tastes much like the 12 year, about 20 percent smoother. I can taste the wood abit more. Yeah, so. I really like this, but I like the 12 more because it has a better balance.

[@gordy321]

I am thinking of trying Laphroig quarter cask. It is available here and few scotches are. I like the smokey!!!

[@GeoffBosco]

"If you have a drinking culture problem-simple solution: Make the individual pay, not society as a whole." Yes!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Ralfy, you sound like an individualist anarchist, and I like it! :)

[@Trimethopimp]

Fascinating stuff

[@johnboltonsmustache3014]

I've had both. The 15 is better, at least the batch I got. This guy I know has had them on the shelf for years. The 15 year old he has is something else. It's like heaven in a bottle.

[@angelosmichail3950]

The bottle I opened last january didn't quite deliver. Try the cask Orkney 18 instead. That was a great dram for almost half the price.

[@nietzschesmustache9779]

The 15 year old that i have been buying from one place is just as good as the 18. The same place still has the 18 and its awesome. The guy must have got one batch of both at the same time. They are old bottles. Fortunately no one knows about single malts in my area so when i have the cash i buy one. They have been at the same price for 2 years. Cheers!

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ralfy. hey! Rob-o here. Your observation of inconsistencies of HP18yo are spot on. We're here at the 'Malt Bar' with a HP18 doing tastings & w/ the addition of just 1/2 tsp of H2O it was ruined...completly lost its gorgous 18yo character. must try less to open this up HP, but I can tell u this my friend, w/this particular bottling of 18yo...less (H2O)is most definitly more. malt mention candidate: Malty mashtun monomers. cheers mate.

[@gman5986]

Very eye opening! Thank you for educating us !

[@RickMacDonald19]

Greetings fellow Malt-Meditation-Masters, just enjoying a wee dram of HP 16 yr from the duty free...mmm delicious. Great new episodes visiting the regions Ralphy!

[@texlad04]

I miss the old round bottle HP18. Terrific stuff. Even the old round bottle 12 was great. I just drained a bottle in a week.

[@SwiftAnthony]

Awesome channel, i am just starting to get into scotch whiskey, and this is very informative and entertaining. Thanks, Ralfy

[@MrKinaidos]

They typically label bottling runs. E.g. LVMH puts tiny etched codes on their bottles that identify the year and bottling run within the year. The bottle of Uigeadail I have open is coded 11000139, so an early 2011 bottling run. The bottle of Glenmorangie I have open is coded 11000869, so probably late in 2011. Glenfarclas prints a lot code in tiny type on the bottle, seems to be a lot number and a bottling run sequence number.

[@SNDLI]

Great whisky indeed. For me it used to be the absolute benchmark, something I would always come back to. And at all times did I have a bottle in store. Sadly at prices gone past the 100£ mark I no longer feel it's worth it. I remember buying a bottle at heathrow for 75£, which today feels like quite a bargain...

[@markisdumbe]

Thanks Ralfy. Picked up a bottle of GlenDronach 12 today but Im under the influence of cold so I wont be doing any tasting for a few days.

[@heavyW8champ]

Also, one noticeable characteristic of this bottle is that it is readily apparent that there is sediment present in the whisky. I originally thought that I had cleaned my glass poorly, however upon further examination of both the next dram and the original bottle, I can conclude with certainty that there is some floating sediment in the whisky. Sipped neat, it is impossible to ignore the tanniny, woody, dusty dry mouth feel. Water has an undeniably beneficial effect on this.

[@alexk3088]

Just like that, I learn something by listening. All these sites tout collecting HP15 now that it's discontinued. But seems like there was a good reason for that - inconsistency.

[@Sheriff_GrimLaw]

I agree with you here. I'm a little confused by Ralfy saying "excessive chill-filtering" about this whiskey (Ardmore TC) as it specifically says this process is not used as you mentioned and the sediment noticed would suggest the same. I do agree it's a bit heavy on the caramel front and needs a couple good drops of water.

[@knarfzxc]

Ken Loach clearly influenced by Dickens, with a huge Scottish twist. Douglas Laing has a 17 year old bottling of Scapa which I greatly prefer to the Chivas version. Jura an overlooked whisky, which is an excellent value. Malt-mention "Malty Muddy Moose" Slainte Mhath!

[@Slears]

This is a complicated Process..the most Part of the Flavour (I think) comes from the Casks in what the Malt is finished (Ex-Sherry, Ex-Port, Ex-Borbon etc), but even other things are important, Form of the Pot Still, Casks, Age, Smoke, the Location of the Distillery --> Humiditiy, Sea Salt..etc.. The Combination of all that bring the several Flavours..

This is my third bottle of the 18 year old and even if the quality vary from bottle to bottle, it is still my favorite scotch. I do wish that I will buy one as good as my first one one day...

[@funwithpeatandsherry]

Drinking the Highland Park 15 was the first time I was conscious of liking the younger expression (12) more. It was a good experience for a relatively new Scotch drinker, as it caused me to ask myself why that would be the case. The answers lead to more questions, etc... But it is good to hear that others agree.

[@scottishpet]

This is my favorite!!!! I have been lucky and have bought good ones I guess...I savor it and cherish each bottle! It costs about $180 Cnd. I am currently down to the last couple of glasses, so I have not bought another yet, and now I worry. Here in Canada we have not got the whiskey shops that let you taste, and the LCBO (liquor control board of Ontario) is hopeless when it comes to getting help. So it might be that HP18 is off my list for awhile till I can find if it is a good batch! Cheers!

[@Bob-Maplethorpe]

I love lcbo as well! Twice the price, limit selection. HP21 is now available at 47 percent. 399 bucks! stupid thing is that I am considering it.

[@GoldenSuit]

great banter about drinking laws getting extreme. I 100% agree that the governement is taking the wrong approach in making everyone suffer for individuals stupidity. Mankind has been drinking since the dawn of time, its our nature, modern drinking laws are just taking advantage of the common man.

[@miserablerhurensohn]

I agree about the 15 year, I liked the 12 year better than the 15. The 18 year, at 105 dollars a bottle seems too risky where all our liquor is sold in state stores and samples and expert opinion are not available.

[@throbberikk]

awesome vlog! picked up an Aberlour based on one of your reviews, the 10yr, God what a nose it has, incredible, drinks well too ;) fyi currently on offer in sainsburys, as is the Glenmorangie Nectar D'or 15, had to add this as i'm a bit of a Glenmorangie fan... cheers

[@JoshLamoreaux1]

On Highland Park's website, their "ambassador" featured on their KZbin videos states that all Highland Park expressions are completely natural with no caramel added. (?)

[@duckscli]

Great video Ralfy, what an education.

[@golfguy777]

I agree with you Ralfy on the HP 15. Its disappointing. Actually just had a dram of HP 12 this evening and found it to be completely different from the last time I had it. This version tasted more like pears and smoke, whereas my previous HP 12 tasted rich in honey both in nose and taste. I was also wondering about the varying quality this evening with HP. Thanks for addressing it.

[@RocasThePenguin]

The 18 is nearly £100. Not sure I would pay that much, but it is a very good dram. My local shop used to have it for £70 but they caught on. Shame that!

[@perseus123]

Ralfy, on my journey through Scotch whisky (which you have been a tremendous help with!), I just found this bottle and my life will never be the same. I loved the 12 year old, but this one is the most delicious spirit I have ever tasted hands down. Now, I don't want to drink anything else! Can you suggest a couple bottles to follow up this one with, that someone who loves this would also likely love? Someone told me Balvenie would be a good next step. What do you think?

[@quickclot1]

after 1/4 the bottle it the balance is getting better. Not after 1/4 in one sitting though if you know what I mean. Also, taking smaller sips has helped out alot to. I still have to try taking smaller sips with HP12 to get a good fix on it.

[@alaack47]

one of the liquor stores near by sells 50 ml bottles of this for $7! for the price great stuff!

[@alaack47]

i might suggest highland park as well as the main two malts in black label, which are talisker and caol ila ... all 3 are great but highland park 12 is about $20 less than the other two

[@bradl3593]

Heaven forbid individuals should be accountable for their own actions..! Is Ralfy a Libertarian? I like it. Punish crimes not sins. Enough of the Nanny State.

[@boozer7574]

I think sweetness and toffee are more pronounced and its less dry. I do like the clean barley subtleness of the 15yr. but what I like about hp comes through better in 12.

[@digboston]

Angel's Share movie is fantastic! I really enjoyed it!

[@mattpetersen4620]

Shop in Tokyo gives samples. Would sip, and then most often buy. Now, I sip, and pass. They now me, w are good friends, they know why I pass. Things need to improve, especially for the price they are asking.

[@ihenrynl]

they do, they print a code on the label or egde it into the bottle, mine is L07900 04:00 and was heavenly good

[@Aner2557]

I too have found significant inconsistencies - took about 2 months for the 18y to open up and surpass its sourness.... The 12y is STILL sour after nearly a year - kinda giving up on that one!

[@logansowers1674]

This comment is a decade too late but Scotland needs whisky AND whisky needs Scotland.

[@themaltbar]

Ralfy, after taking your advise re. The inconsistencies of HP18 where w/just the addition of 1/2 tsp of H2O my dram was ruined. Well, the silver-tongued Gerry Tosh, real nice fella, aftet 2wks of back&forth emails concluded that 'this years 18yo' was 2light in color and needed the vatting of 25 & 36yo to bring that 'natural color' into being thus rendering their 18 much older hence more sensitive to even 1/2 tsp if H2O. Wow huh?? wattayathink Ralfy?!... Valid?? cheers G'buddy! Rob-o

[@mattpetersen4620]

Love you Ralfy, but do a review on the recent bottling ofAbhainn Dearg.

[@alexharrington44]

10 years on and no positive change at Scapa, sad.

[@wisperingdeath]

Scotland needs whiskey. Hold individuals, not society accountable. A-facking-men Ralfy. You rock.

[@MrAndrewdamon]

Thanks mate. Cheers to ya !

[@Ch33no]

I never drink scotch without bringing up one of your videos brother..... Would love to share a dram or two with you one day.

[@steelwarrior105]

Young ralfy, woah

[@RadioLaboratory]

Ok Ralfy heres th verdict! Aftr MANY bac n 4th emails[&thanx2yor adviz] I heatedly complained 2-th powrs tht b re.a 2nd bad botle of HP18.Wen they said"cork taint"I adkd Y dont u use screwtops?this was Gordon,the Master Blender who said "Cork Tops hav that special sound & folks expec tht 'sound' in a quality malt" WOW I thought,how can a distillery sacrifice quality4 the "sound of a cork"?Wonders never cease Ralfy,they jus nevr will!!They Did send me a descent 89/100 replacemnt. cheers mate

[@gordy321]

Thank you alaackI have tried Highland park and love it

[@OmasKleinerLiebling]

This is one of my favourite malts and the first malt in my collection who is older than 12 years. ;-) --- What about: "Malty Makkaroni as drinking straw users"? ;-D

[@RadioLaboratory]

Update: Ralfy hey! u kno rathr than trashin HP for inconsistency,I'v decided2 giv these pro's a big vote of confidence4they hav made good&sent out a replacement18yo for the las2 bad bottlings I purchased! Duncan understands th sentiment out there and by th Quality of THIS bottle I can taste the hapning!!This HP18 is 1 of the"great ones"its jus outstanding!heres to u Ralfy & 2more consistent botlings of r faves!Thanku much mate4 arming us w/th raw facts n avenues2 make r voices herd! Cheers Ralfy

[@CandyHam]

highland park 12 is my go-to!

[@Aner2557]

I have found similar inconsistency in HP18 - disappointing. I thought the 84 was generous... I have tasted an HP15 that was actually quite good. At the right price, I would go for it.

[@jennychok9892]

hp15 is discontinued

[@rik78]

Hey Ralfy, I would love to see you do a review of the Highland Park 15! Keep up the great work.

[@stihlnz]

He said he would miss that one.

[@rhino1412]

Baseball card collections went down the tubes because the industry pushed more elite and rare sub-brands instead of just celebrating the sport. I never believe in stuff that is specifically pushed as a collectable. If it has a history and lasted over the years, that's fine.

[@shawns.7281]

Please review the Highland Park Dark Origins. 46.8 ABV! Non chill filitered , sure no age statement butn it is atleast a 10 or 12 yo IMO

[@anderspalm4859]

...one other thing. It doesn't read o the bottle, but I assume it's non chillfiltered. My got a little hazy once I added water.

[@heavyW8champ]

If this bottle wasnt chill filtered, how can this be explained? For the record this bottle was purchased in the US of A @ a very well maintained state wine and liquor outlet in the northeast region of the country for a notable value of 36$/750ml bottle.

[@hugojosesales]

Ralfy, Which whisky should i buy: old pultney 17 or Highland park 18? Have in mind That i loved ardbeg 10!! Please help me

[@thewhiskybothy]

hugo pi . . . . at the moment, OP17

[@bradl3593]

@@thewhiskybothy Interesting...

[@bradl3593]

@@thewhiskybothy Still that view in 2019?

[@heavyW8champ]

ralfy please help me I am confused. I have recently purchased and am about half way through a bottle of Ardmore. It is specifically advertised on the label and the can as a "non-chill filtered" whisky. I am talking about the traditional"quarter cask" standard bottling from the company. You note both the added coloring and the "excessive chill filtration" of this whisky. If this is accurate, I have one question: How can I trust any label which states "non chill filtered"?

[@EigenvectorSeven]

Yes, it does.

[@feelinggrape]

srsly: my favourite Whisky so far! have yet to find a better one (for an affordable price)

[@OmasKleinerLiebling]

Hi Ralfy (again). Another one: "Malty Mairis Wedding Guests" ;-)

[@neilfantacone7534]

You mentioned differences in quality (Taste) with this age. l didn't notice batch numbers with this spirit. In your opinion. Possibly what year bottled would have the better spirit? Is that a way to narrow this down?

[@heavyW8champ]

ralfy! I have been a long time observer and follower of your reviews and advice. Can you review Ardmore's "Traditional Cask" quarter-cask aged NAS bottling? Just picked up a bottle at the fantastic New Hampshire State Liquor and Wine outlet here in the states. This whisky is non-chill filtered, and I found it curious I could see floating bits in the whisky when I held it to light. Good peaty taste but had a very tanniny mouth feel. Would love to get your perspective on this dram. Thanks!!

[@shuboy05]

My only problem with Highland Park is the smokey peppery note during the finish. That flavor is just odd to me even though it's apparently part of the whisky's profile.

[@alisuperhornet]

Ralfy! Time for a re-review, don't you think?

[@MrAndrewdamon]

Ralfy, This particular bottle of Highland Park looks a wee bit on the dark side. Is that from being aged longer in the cask? Or do you believe that they're using too much caramel ? All the best, Cheers !

[@svw1978]

Beste Ralfy, zijn er op Manx Whisky distilleerderijen?

[@GeoffBosco]

Amen, brutha!

[@nbs90]

Hi Rafly and viewers :) I've got a question for you, that I hopefully can get answered. I've often heard that example bourbon isn't technically called a whisky. But is it wrong to say its just as much whisky as an single malt whisky? The question is more or less about all substitute for single malts. Rye, blend bourbon and all the rest of the whisky range :)

[@anderspalm4859]

Hi Ralfy. I must admit that 18 y o HP is one of my favorite whiskys along Aberlour Abundah. I adore the fat, oily, smokey complex and fruity taste of HP and the smooth, sweet sherry-note of Aberlour. Lately I have been looming around the Dailuaine 16 yr, is it worth the money, or do you have any other suggestions that might be up my sleeve? Cheers!

[@tweezerjam]

There are really people trying to prohibit the production of alcohol in Scotland? 😟

[@DubsMood]

because they dont want it to be traced... the just want to present it as a 'brand'.

[@Gazeroni]

Wish I could ask for samples but here in Canada, we have one place we can buy this - and it is government run - no samples, no opinions. It is awful and I caused me to waste good money on an awful batch of Talisker :( GREAT review! Thanks!

[@rstora01]

Ralfy, have you seen the youtube video on the 50 yr old HP? Quite Impressive! But at 3800 pounds a bottle that is the closest I will come toward experiencing it.

[@skiwabasis]

god this is a good whisky

[@mattpetersen4620]

What is Avengelic Distillery? Must not have heard it right?