One of the many Highland Park expressions out there (I can’t keep track of them all) is the Highland Park Magnus. A proper Viking name, and that’s no coincidence. This bottlings was made in honour of Highland Park founder Magnus Eunson.
The Highland Park Magnus has no age statement. It is bottled at the absolute minimum of 40 percent alcohol by volume. However, it does have its natural colour, which is quite light, I might add. It has matured in a combination of sherry-seasoned American oak casks and refill (bourbon) casks. It is only available in the United States and Canada.
Highland Park Magnus (40%, OB, 2017)
Nose: Delicate citrus notes (mainly lemon peel and orange syrup), followed by a good amount of porridge and vanilla, some heather and honey, as well as a certain dustiness.
Taste: A more distinct peatiness here, which was barely noticeable on the nose, accompanied by some sugary sweetness, as well as fudge and caramel, and a hint of pepper and salt.
Finish: Fairly dry, with a spicy touch. Medium in length.
Rating: 83
Pleasant enough, and fairly priced when you buy it in the United States at 40 or so dollar. But unless you’re a collector and need to have this, I don’t think there’s a reason to put in a lot of effort to get this if you live outside the States.
