Highland Park 1976-2003 Official Bottling #4508 for Matthew D. Forrest

Indeed, an excellent bottling. Highland Park HIGHLAND PARK 1976-2003 Own Bottling (OB) for Matthew D. Forrest #4508 52.7% The aroma is rich, with tart apricot jam, caramelized nuts and nut cream, savory malt, concentrated black tea, honey, rich oak, and gentle peat. On the palate, it spreads aromatically with a texture that lingers on the tongue, featuring sweet notes reminiscent of aged orange marmalade and honey, a pronounced barley umami, tightening oak, nut cream, slightly smoky peat, and a rich, long finish. [Very Good] This is the Highland Park 1976 bottled by the late Matthew D. Forrest in 2003. While Highland Park bottlings for Forrest also exist from 1973, this one is from 1976. Whether due to the bottle's condition or my own perception, this bottling feels more pronounced in its fruity and oaky characteristics compared to previous tastings, though the barley's depth and body feel more restrained. Naturally, there is a deep malt foundation surrounded by fruity, honeyed, and cask notes, along with peat—representing a classic Highland Park style without the pronounced sherry influence. It embodies the quintessential single malt character while offering complexity and a range of flavors, making it an outstanding all-rounder.