Recent Release: Highland Park 1999 14 Year Old THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY "4.200"

I could feel the distillery's style and the strong influence of the bourbon barrel. Highland Park HIGHLAND PARK 1999 14yo THE SCOTCH MALT WHISKY SOCIETY "4.200" 58.1% One of 161 bottles, First Fill Bourbon Barrel The nose is dominated by youthful barley notes, fresh bread dough, citrus, white flowers, and a sharpness of peat in the background. When drinking, it gradually becomes stimulating with citrus, light pineapple, youthful and strong barley notes, a slightly woody character, vanilla, oil, sweet syrupiness, and a stronger peat. [Good] Number 4 from SMWS = Highland Park's 1999, 14-year-old maturation. (※List of SMWS distillery codes here) From the aroma to the flavor, I felt a freshness and youthfulness, particularly strong barley notes like fresh bread dough. Due to maturation in a first-fill bourbon barrel, the cask character is quite strong even at 14 years, with a slightly woody aspect that might be a bit off-putting. However, alongside the citrus notes similar to the aroma, I also sensed a slight pineapple nuance. From the latter part of the flavor to the finish, I felt the peat more strongly than the aroma, and I thought the distillery's personality was clearly present. This is an interesting bottle where the character of the first-fill bourbon barrel and Highland Park's house style are both felt. Though youthful, I think if aged further, the woody aspect might become more pronounced with a stronger bitterness. So, I believe this is definitely at its peak. While each component is distinct, the overall impression feels a bit unbalanced, so I'd like to taste it again after some time since bottling. #Highland Park (HIGHLANDPARK)