Highland Park 1994/2012 Càrn Mòr

Càrn Mòr have some very interesting stuff in their Celebration of the Cask-collection, but also very expensive. Their Strictly Limited-series is much more affordable, but sadly bottled at 46 percent abv. So Càrn Mòr is either expensive or bottled at a lower abv, which is why I’ve not tasted much from this independent bottler.

Today I review a Highland Park from their affordable range. Now I’ve done a series of reviews on the official bottlings of Highland Park, but this is only the second indy Highland Park reviewed on Words of Whisky.

Highland Park 1994/2012 (46%, Càrn Mòr, 685 bts.)

Nose: Light vegetal peat. The kind of peat that reminds me of a young Ledaig. Sauerkraut as well. Very fresh, malty and light. Also vanilla, lemon, lime and white chocolate, with some added banana and greek yoghurt. Not extremely complex, but highly enjoyable.
Taste: Salty with wood shavings and peanut shells. Oily and lightly peated with some smoke. It has some farmy aspects, like wet straw.
Finish: A hint of smoke, light citrus. Medium in length.

Rating: 87

Pretty good stuff. I do miss a bit of the sherry influence you get in the official 18yo for instance. But this is very nice. Still available here for around 70 euro. Not a bad price for an 17yo Highland Park.