The Highland Park Dark Origins is a Scotch whisky released in 2014, which pays homage to Magnus Eunson, the one who gave life to this brand, back in 1798. The name of this whisky recalls the dark origins of the brand, which was born illegally. This black bottle contains a whisky aged in a mix of ex-Sherry casks (80% of which are first fill), European oak and first-fill American oak. This is a NAS (No Age Statement), which is very common in the recent releases of Highland Park.
- Type: Single malt
- Origin: Scotland
- ABV: 46.8%
- Cask: ex-sherry. ex-bourbon
- Age: not declared
- Price: $90 – €80
- Details: non-chill filtered, non-colored
TASTING NOTES – HIGHLAND PARK DARK ORIGINS
Nose
On the nose, hints of malt, peat and marine notes are perceived. Then, nuances of iodine and a red fruit follow. An aroma of wood and spices is also perceptible. Light notes of caramel appear as well.
Palate
The palate is dominated by notes of peat, enriched by spices and leather. The marine notes are confirmed as well.
Finish
The finish is medium, with notes of peat and wood spices. There are also notes of cherries in alcohol and wood varnish present.
Overall, the Highland Park Dark Origins is an easy-to-drink Scotch, with a good balanced. The peat does not cover the rest of the flavor profile, although it plays a leading role. The ex-Sherry barrels create a greater amplitude in the number of aromas perceived, although their depth is not particularly pronounced.