Highland Park Tasting - 15 Feb 2008

[K-Mile]

Just woke up, seems like you really had a blast last night I can only hope that you have been trying really small samples since I had only four drams last night and I already feel my head going

At least I can't wait to open my 30yo. That's going to be a real blast thanks for the notes everyone!

[Wave]

Sorry guys, I died early and after just 2 drams of that lovely HP Scott's.
Gotta go in to work this morning.


Cheers!

[Newbie]

I had to go out last night but wuda loved to open my bottle of HP12 & HP Oddbins and join in with this!

But to be honest I would prefer to meet you guys in person and having a tasting that way, alot more fun!

Next tasting at whoever has got a hot tub!!!

[SoMK]

Didn't know there was more than one version out there. What's the 48.1% one like?

That's the sample I sent you btw, new OB HP 25 48.1% !
That was great reading all the notes!

[K-Mile]

I had to go out last night but wuda loved to open my bottle of HP12 & HP Oddbins and join in with this!

But to be honest I would prefer to meet you guys in person and having a tasting that way, alot more fun!

Next tasting at whoever has got a hot tub!!!

Well that rules me out

[Sherried Malt]

Didn't know there was more than one version out there. What's the 48.1% one like?

That's the sample I sent you btw, new OB HP 25 48.1% !
That was great reading all the notes!

Excellent!! Talk about synchronicity... Thanks so much!

[Deactivated Member]

So, how many hangovers today, then?

[Sherried Malt]

So, how many hangovers today, then?

None here. A liter of water during the evening and another before bed did the trick.

Had to get up in the middle of the night tho...

[Bob O.]

There are other sets of single casks out there as well. Beltromos, and Park Ave both have their own as well as High Times (but for CA only).

Cheers,

Hey Mikey,

Just curious if you have tasted Beltramo's 15 year single cask bottling. I have contemplated picking this one up as well as the 19 they currently have.

Thanks for any info.

Cheers,

Bob O.

[Sherried Malt]

Thought I'd repost this here, just to keep things nice and tidy...

Decided to do a HP 25 HTH... 50.7% abv vs. 48.1% abv (Thanks, SoMK!)

Nose: The 48.1 is more sherried while the 50.7 is a bit lighter, but with more caramel. Also has more alcohol on the nose, but not too over-the-top. (Bananas and wood make a late appearance in the 48.1 whereas the 50.7 becomes sweeter and maltier.)

Mrs. SM says the 48.1 smells of cigars while she gets Band-aids in the 50.7. She hates SMS, but was willing to help in the name of science...

Palate and Finish: The 50.7 has a wonderful mouthfeel. Luscious and warming. More viscous than the 48.1. Liquid velvet. Honey, caramel and molasses. More apparent sweetness than the 48.1. Some nougat on the finish. Beautiful finish, long lasting.

The 48.1: VERY smooth, but not as complex as the 50.7. Lighter and more graceful. Elegant. Gorgeous long and linear finish, but towards the end, a strong wallop of molasses and caramel make a surprise appearance. Never seen that before, but didn't get it in every tasting either... Huh?

The 48.1 seems to be much closer to the HP OB 30 in terms of its palate's elegance, whereas the 50.7 presents a nice contrast to the 30. Both are beautiful whiskies but I'd go for the 50.7 if forced to pick one, since it offers a alternative to the 30. If I was in the mood for elegance, then I'd just pour a 30...

That's my 2 cents.