Whisky Review: Highland Park Magnus

Today we taste and review Highland Park Magnus.
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[@jakoba4675]

I shook Daniels hand at the apple store this weekend. The handshake had notes of black pepper, whisky, and fine Tex mex.

[@WhiskeyVault]

With a hint of surprise and pleased amusement

[@delohclooney]

YES YES YES!! DISTILLERY DAYS!

[@Jack_all]

with a name like "Magnus" and that cool black bottle, I was expecting to be roughed up a bit . This should be called Kyla or Leslie ..

[@StillIt]

Don't you love it when marketing, branding and kick ass product come together?

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

I just tasted the Magnus, I also get flavors of candied quince... which most people have never tasted but it’s a very unique taste. I found the Magnus to be a bit weak but interesting as the base spirit for an Old Fashioned.

[@WhiskeyQuests]

HP12 is on my radar but, they have so many to choose from, that I put it on hold to try and get the more expensive ones. Maybe I should just buy two bottles of HP12 and get it over with already!

[@TheAndrewMShow]

Id really like to hear these guys opinion on Jim Beam Devils Cut. Do they really use old fashion methods to get out the whiskey trapped in the wood or is it just marketing BS?

[@raylars752]

Pretty sure U already know the answer

[@bmsmusician]

Yes please do a distillery test! I have a Glengoyne 10, 15, 18 year souvenir bottle pack that I'd love to try out with you!

[@JasonWhiskyWise]

bmsmusician glengoyne are great, it you get a chance try and get the teapot dram

[@bmsmusician]

Great indeed! Don't have them around anymore but if D and R makes an episode with them I'll run out (i.e. take the ferry to Denmark) and buy a new one.

[@JasonWhiskyWise]

@@bmsmusician I've reviewed the Glengoyne myself and love them. If you live your sherried whiskies the 21 Year Old is incredible

[@TuEIite]

The 'old' 12 used to be my go-to, what should I look to now to replace it? Magnus vs the current 12? Magnus vs Talisker?

[@sp5072]

Could we get an (updated?) Intermediate Peat/Smokey Scotch list? My brother just found and enjoyed the Magnus as well as the Shieldag Highland Single Malt scotch, and I need more intermediate suggestions before dunking him head first into smoke/peat. Cheers!

[@mgmkop]

Just picked this up. Good entry level single malt. Nose reminds me of Classic Laddie, but with a bit more dark fruit, as opposed to banana, and eventually vanilla. Definitely the salty, "sea spray" smell on the nose. Taste is mostly smoke at the beginning, but after letting it sit the fruit comes out. Add a couple drops of water and it becomes very bright and fruity, and the smoke largely disappears - still a bit on the backend, but not much. For an entry level I would recommend this highly; I was impressed.

[@th-rv1wr]

I tried this last week! Best scotch under $50 I've ever tasted!

[@Wongwongwong10000]

I agree.

[@davetbrunner]

Haven't watched, local shop has it for $39.99. This video will either get me off the couch, or I will stick with what I have. Love you guys. Here goes!

[@dylankane9709]

I bought this because the bottle looked interesting. Definitely the smokiest whiskey I’ve tried so far. I love it cheers!

[@Cuandoman]

I know this is a local report, but the 12 year Viking Honour is twice the price of the Magnus.

[@tonycronin3080]

I was out hunting for whiskey a few weeks ago while the wife was out of town and came across Highland Park Odin was wondering your opinion on this whiskey. It has a super cool box and stand. I just about got it but decided to wait. Price tag helped in that decision. Any information is appreciated

[@thatsgoodgb]

Highland Park 50 for the next trophy whisky!

[@Chris-qq2cu]

Got another question as a beginner. I started out with classic makers and it was ok but not great. Then found the tribe and tried glenfiddich 12 and liked it. But wanted to try something else next. I was thinking based on the mass amount of praise it’s gotten of trying monkey shoulder next. However at my local abc they had bottles of angels envy for $48. The question is, as someone still pretty new to whiskey, should I stick with the monkeys shoulder as the “introductory” or go ahead for the angels envy since everyone says how amazing it is and from what I’ve heard $48 is really cheap for it. At the same time I don’t want to waste perfectly good angels envy if I’m not able to truly appreciate its magnificence due to my novice taste. Thanks for such great content! I’m new to the tribe but find myself listening through all your videos while at work.

[@danielwhipple9589]

So I know you guys film multiple episodes in a row but when Rex wears the same shirt on consecutive filming days it really makes me think you only have the one shirt.

[@meesternibbles]

Daniel Whipple or chuy's is an unofficial sponsor

[@whiskeygolfer3028]

Daniel Whipple the Patreon films have spoiled me with the majesty that is Rex’s wardrobe.

[@johnperkins630]

I think most people around the Austin area own more than one Chuy's shirt. I think i have 3 of them...lol and I live an hour and a half away from Austin

[@meesternibbles]

When the first Chuy's opened up locally for me a guy went to church with from Austin insisted we go out to check it out and yeah that is legit amazing Tex-Mex

[@wildernessman760]

No he has 7 shirts lol

[@IC86]

Happened to come across one bottle of this at the store, and of course I scooped it up. It’s really good. It has that great Highland Park flavor that I love. I’d say the Magnus is better than the HP Valkyrie. And thanks, guys, for your great reviews. I’m a novice to this, and your videos are instructive and helpful.

[@RhinoViper]

HP Magnus, to me, is a younger, less peaty, less briny version of Bowmore 12. That's not necessarily a good thing since Bowmore isn't huge on the peat or the brine either. I really like Bowmore...Magnus is just a thinner version of it. I can get the Bowmore 12 for only like $5 more as well.

[@christinavanness7697]

Actual question. You often say that not everyone can drink a heavily peated whiskey right off the bat. There are a rare few who can jump on with both feet and be in love, others should try to work up to it... Can you give a 4-5 bottle progression, preferably in the cheap to mid price range, to take someone from baby steps to blown out of the water peated whiskeys. What would you use to introduce and then ramp up someone who is interested in getting into peated goodness?

[@raylars752]

Id say as We get older and Our breath grows more foul ...that any Whiskey tastes better , as does pussy

[@derickzellar6632]

I would absolutely love a good list of how to go from a friendly speyside like a glennfiddich all the way to a heavily peated scotch like an octomore or dark cove. Because I want to explore all the regions of scotch but islay I'm really apprehensive about because of how I try my whiskys, I don't want to be stuck with a whole bottle if I don't like it.

[@pkgreens_9998]

@Derick Zellar, do the “leg work” and check out reviews to see where to start and go from there...I found this the other day and it may help your journey. (Approximate phenol ppm) [peat flavor] Bunnahabhain~1-2 Bruichladdich~3-4 Springbank~7-8 Benromach~8 Ardmore~10-15 Highland Park~20 Bowmore~20-25 Talisker~25-30 Caol Ila~30-35 Ladaig~35 Lagavulin~35-40 Port Charlotte (Bruichladdich)~40 Laphroaig~40-43 Ardbeg~55 Longrow~55 Could be true, could be false...seems legit based on my tasting and mild research, but I hope it helps regardless. 🥃

[@bendooley550]

Bought this yesterday. Sweet serendipity.

[@eriksonofander]

1000 points awarded for the Dark Crystal reference.

[@theflannelfisherman8329]

Today's my 21st and picked up a bottle of HP12 what a coincidence

[@jesseregenauer630]

This malt does some REALLY NICE FLAVOR RELEASE if allowed to sit in it's glass a good 20 minutes or so..... It just keeps opening the longer it sits-----indeed what a lovely intermediate sherry influenced lightly (but noticeably) peaty single malt scotch. There is an astringent note that seems to go away as it opens up too......This gives way to a lovely briny soft sour fruity smoky note interplay all intertwined w/a bit of oak..... AMAZING on the palate at only 40%................

[@ChadWinters]

Principal Rex...now that would be a High School worth a movie

[@wildernessman760]

I really like the magnuson but I agree it would be a more bold richer flavor if it were 46 abv. But I do like the cork with the screw cap attached double protection for your whisky investment.

[@TheMarkRich]

Are you guys going through the motions? Where's the broken bottle gladiator whisky death match?

[@jljy1]

Definitely do distillery day! Would be interesting to see the different releases from the same distillery compared side by side!

[@chrisdeterman3247]

How much money does it take to invest in a whiskey vault with the breadth that yours has

[@ernestclayton8550]

Love Smoky and sweet! Magnus fills the glass! Cheers 😀

[@Eltoroblancosass]

Hey what do yall think about Texas Ranger from Rebecca Creek. Im just learning and wanted to see if im getting some of the same smells and taste. Maybe it will let me know if i missed something i should be looking for. Thanks

[@bmsmusician]

I have Highland Park Svein. Lands between their regular 12 and 18 in my opinion.

[@magnus5356]

Great name (pun!) so it must be fantastic!

[@christiandaldy1967]

the infamous 100k subscribers, this is the point that the crazies start coming out of the woodwork. The comments section will get more lively lol.

[@superpheemy]

I appreciated the Dark Crystal reference. You let that Geek Flag fly Daniel! Fly it high, fly it proud!

[@CicadaAppreciationSociety]

I just picked some up. I was going to try HP12 but I could buy this AND a bottle of Teachers for $5 less than HP12

[@WhiskyCanuck]

I bought one of these recently. Haven't tried it yet.

[@datSnoz]

These distillery days sound awesome! Start with Macallen! :D

[@caelebcandon2254]

For a whiskey with peat, but peat that doesn't dominate I'd choose Talisker 10 over HP12 nine out of ten times.

[@brandondavidson751]

Yeah I would agree. Both are favourites of mine but Talisker definitely wins between the two. I find Talisker has more black pepper or "spice" notes though (which I like). Price points are different too. Where I'm at in Canada HP12 is about 65-70 and Talisker 10 is about 105-110. I usually buy HP due to the price.

[@whiskeygolfer3028]

What’s the over/under of the number of whiskey bottle donations you get from people coming to the opening?

[@frederiklund7693]

Dear Sirs, I’m a new subscriber and young whisk(e)y drinker. I’m 22 and my first whisk(e)y ever (not drink - the laws in Denmark is a bit different) was on my 18th birthday and was a bottle of Lagavulin 16. I have been in love ever since. Over the last 4 years I’ve collected 18 bottles (Talisker, Johnny Walker, Balvenie, Oban, Glenfiddich etc.). I turn 23 on Friday and all I wish for is two things: A new bottle (I need a challenge, preferably smoky) and distillery days. Thank you for the some of the best entertainment on KZbin and your advice ! (Still looking for Monkey shoulder - hard to find here)

[@bryanbijonowski1333]

What's the great conjunction, you tell me?!?! Daniel, Nice Dark Crystal reference ya crazy Mystic!

[@ericscott7221]

If I went and bought some grain vodka and aged it in a oak barrel would it be whiskey then?

[@WhiskeyVault]

It would technically be "Spirit Whiskey". HEre's a good overview: thewhiskeywash.com/whiskey-styles/american-whiskey/spirit-whiskey/

[@d.t.nelson8805]

Where's the smoke? In a side by side comparison I got way more smoke from the Johnnie Walker Blue than this Highland Park. (now I'm new to peated whiskies. The only Islay I've tried is the Bunnahabhain 12-lovely, but no smoke at all. The only peated Scotch I've tried is the aforementioned Johnnie Walker Blue and this Highland Park Magnus. The Johnny Walker had a light (but distinct) campfire smoke note... combined with the spiciness it was liked a smoked chili de arbol note. I'm trying to work my way toward smoky-peated scotches, but I'm not sure I'm on the right track with this one.

[@raylars752]

Id say its something between Belvenie and Laphroig ...but it gives You the same shine

[@Karmolo85]

If Rex get sick who will be your replacement ?

[@TheFragranceApprentice]

What up Boys! Yes!

[@davidmcguire6043]

Just picked a bottle up for $20 on clearance on vacation.

[@danielh750]

Have you guys ever done Tomatin Cu Bocan?

[@nathanrosado5606]

I have been waiting for this review for awhile.

[@Lewclark123]

hazelwood is a blend of kininvie and girvan, and also what they used to bottle kininvie under the name of that can go on the days daniel has made a mistake by...

[@WhiskeyVault]

That's true of the new 18, 21, and 25 variations, but this is one of the 17yr ones from 1990. In theory it only has Kininvie Single malt. But I may still be misunderstanding that one.

[@Lewclark123]

yeah, working in travel retail i looked into it because we have the newer Hazelwood, and yeah that's what kininvie used to be called :) There have been very occasional bottlings - as Hazelwood" quoted from Scotchwhisky.com

[@chrisuhland2893]

Where IS that shirt from, and what do Chuy's and Batman have in common?

[@TheBradWhittington]

Austin, TX based Tex-Mex restaurant. www.chuys.com/shop/tshirts

[@chrisuhland2893]

Ahhhhh, Thank you.

[@notme3686]

I think Magnus is absolutely legit. As smooth as macallan with a better overall taste. Jmo

[@PhatTrumpet2]

At 70% of the price, would you guys say the Magnus is 70% as good as HP12 VH?

[@MikeMietlicki]

Is there a way I can hide this video from anybody who works at my local store? I just don't want them to raise the prices on this because it reviewed on the Whiskey Vault.

[@StillIt]

Michael Mietlicki heh, turning into a legit concern right?!

[@knappjs]

I'm sorry (not sorry) but "Orkney Peat" just sounds cool

[@brendanhearne5085]

so disappointed to here that the new HP12 isn't as good as the old one as i could still find it up until about a month ago but delayed buying it to try different whiskys. Because it was one of my favorites

[@funandgames7847]

A Dark Crystal reference sweet action there. Not a big fan of this Whiskey for me there’s a off putting taste. I love the channel never miss a episode thanks guys from Milwaukee.

[@AdamPFarnsworth]

I'm the opposite. I love whiskey, but hate Dave and Ryan.

[@AdamPFarnsworth]

(That's a joke, of course)

[@NeoRichardBlake]

Yep... I figured Daniel was a mystic... I'm just waiting for the day when Rex goes full skeksis and declares "I am emperor!"

[@jaredc6880]

Boys I'd love to send you a gift from Australia... woman just bought me a distillery edition Glenfiddich back from Scotland, bottle 68 of 96 of a rum cask finished bottle... how can I send you boys some of my personal heaven!!

[@thewhiskycouch7886]

Tops ... Great video ... Great whisky from a Great distillery 👏😊🥃!! Cheers!

[@Limit67]

Can I get unbanned from the facebook group? I said one time than I was looking for a specific, extremely unique bottle, and got banned immediately for it...

[@ryansmith5043]

Mark Nienow what was the bottle?

[@Limit67]

Ryan Smith Yamazaki Sherry Cask 2013

[@Nasse83]

Again I say and especially to any HP, Ardmore Legacy.

[@drownword]

do you guys like all scotch? i want to see a video you guys do where you hate it.

[@RummyAndKoch]

nice! a whisky I can find

[@elie6769]

Oban Talisker Highland Park good. Longmorn like Highland Park

[@gwaihirwindlord1935]

Instead of an eagle, Rex’s spirit Animal should be a Skeksis.

[@pulsaronkvazarov8001]

Цепь для собаки на которой висит крышка от сточных колодцев - это так круто бро !

[@andrewcuff7708]

I have a good background whisky for you all.....it’s called beer.

[@joejoslyn7667]

Daniel, The Girlfriend and i think The Bunnahabhain An Cladach is a scotch with peat no smoke! If the smoke is there, its hardly there. Give it a try!

[@pmonti80]

This one is only sold in USA and Canada. As someone from Spain I thought you should point it out for your international viewers.

[@Welderman-xo1sx]

Completely unrelated to the video. Why are there so many scotches that start with "Glen"

[@ErikWaitWhiskyStudies]

Welderman1994 “Glen” means “Valley”... and “Ben” means “Mountain” so these are common words used in names for distilleries.

[@mattpoynter5243]

I love the Shetlands. But the show needs more whisky...

[@honza_kriz_bass]

#distillerydays!!!

[@mindgamemax]

A part of me was wishing for something close to the old Highland Park Earl Magnus... i still dream of that one

[@MrJimFox79]

Last fall I bought a bottle of Magnus. I thought it tasted like tires and not a fan! Probably the worst scotch I've ever had!

[@johnperkins630]

Yes you have to interact with other people in fortnite but the beautiful thing about it is that you get to kill them in many different ways. Great way to get rid of some frustration...lol

[@dannydecala1]

How about a "trash cam"

[@meesternibbles]

For the more experienced peat heads, is HP more or less peaty than Springbank?

[@bobbelito94]

It's a whole other type of peat. I would say that HP, in general, is milder and nicer while Springbank got more punch to it. Don't get me wrong, in my opinion Springbank is on a whole other level than HP, but Springbank demands more from you as a drinker. But as I said, those two destilleries got completely different peatyness to them. Don't know if I even began to answer your question or not though...

[@meesternibbles]

Erik Bobeck cool thanks. I loooove springbank but haven't done HP yet.

[@bobbelito94]

John Verstraete Love Springbank as well! Would actually say that SP15 is my absolute fav' whisky, that's not a Single Cask or so. Haven't tried a whole lot of HP, but the 18 YO is really, really good. On the over side, many of the NAS ones is, in my opinion, not worth buying. Over-prized and heavily mass-produced.

[@meesternibbles]

I have been digging into peat and laphroaig was too much to start, but the springbank 10 knocked my socks off. Thanks for the feedback I will keep an eye out for the 15.

[@bobbelito94]

Great to hear you like Springbank! They're not cheap, but they are really worth their pirice. Just a little FYI; SP10 is the bottling with the most punch to it (if you don't count CS), the longer the maturation, the softer and more sherry-influenced it gets.

[@to3ta64]

Just tried it, not impressed. I couldn’t taste the peat at all... I’ll stick Lagavoulin, Ardbeg, and Laphroig.

[@matthewmorin7016]

Have to agree with 40%abv. It's overall a good "background" whiskey but could be a great whiskey at a higher proof. If you come from the higher proof bourbon world like me you will miss the proof.

[@אליעזראיסטאכרוב]

😏

[@ronaldwalters9488]

1

[@LongCity]

Probably the least enjoyable whisky I have bought/tried. Good thing it's super cheap because it's only good for cocktails.

[@christinavanness7697]

5th

[@MrChrhar]

Christina Zirpoli is there a competition that I have missed?!

[@JimmyLeg]

What all that Highland Park stuff means is that they are being destroyed by their success. Hi Macallan.

[@wesleyst-martin8982]

Hello Jimmy Leg. Can you please explain about your Highland Park hypothesis.

[@JimmyLeg]

They made a quality spirit. People noticed. They started buying it. Sales go up. Men in suits realize that they can cash in on the reputation by making more whisky with the same brand name and some fancy bottles and silly viking references. Morons gobble it up. Age statements disappear. Whisky quality goes down in favour of increasing supply. Long drink and "shot" consumers don't care. They have a fancy bottle and a brand name on their shelf. 10% of customers who actually taste their whisky notice. I stop buying it. No one notices or cares. I buy Springbank and enjoy it while sadly thinking about how there's one less quality distillery to choose from.

[@ryansmith5043]

Jimmy Leg gets grumpy when good whiskey get popular? Lol

[@TheDKing38]

Magnus > 12yr ...imo.

[@brandondavidson751]

Really? I'm loving my first bottle of 12 year so I'll have to try this then.

[@cricardol]

Personally I found it really thin and here it's more expensive than better blends. You won't know before you try

[@BenHelmsCreative]

Thirst

[@wookwook123]

7th

[@morrissyszlak3964]

Please stop the snobbiness And referring to peated whiskey as advanced whiskey. Shitty whiskey is shitty whiskey. Lafroig and Ardbeg suck. The goal is not to get to where you like horrible whiskey . I will agree that the marketing of Islay is excellent. The goal is not to get to the "advanced" whiskey. But to enjoy whiskey