Highland Park 12 Review

Last Updated on: 11th June 2024, 01:03 am

Discover everything about the Highland Park 12 in this in-depth review that answers all your related questions!

Reviewed by: J Highland

Highland Park 12: Balanced Smoke for Everyday Enjoyment

Rating: ⭐⭐⭐

The Highland Park 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky earns its reputation as a dependable choice. While not the most complex or attention-grabbing dram, it delivers a consistently enjoyable experience.

Strengths:

• Subtle Smoke and Sweet Harmony: This Highland Park expression offers a delightful balance between gentle smoke and sweet flavors, making it approachable and smooth.
• Balanced Journey: From nose to finish, the Highland Park 12 provides a well-rounded and enjoyable tasting experience with no harsh elements.
• Good Value: The price sits comfortably within the average range for 12-year-old single malts, offering fair value for the money.

Possible Weaknesses:

• Less Complex Flavor Profile: Experienced whisky drinkers might find the Highland Park 12 a bit one-dimensional in terms of complexity.
• Lighter Body: Compared to some other whiskies, the Highland Park 12 might feel slightly lighter on the palate.

Verdict:

The Highland Park 12 year old is a dependable single malt Scotch that shines with its balanced and harmonious profile.

The subtle smoke notes complement the sweetness, making it a great choice for everyday sipping.

It delivers a consistent and enjoyable experience at a reasonable price point. It might not be your show-off bottle, but it will surely please those who appreciate a well-balanced smoky dram, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.

• Related: Top 12 Year Single Malts
• Learn more: Highland Park 12 Website

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Floral, smoke, orange, honey
• Palate: Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke
• Finish: Long, oak, pepper
• Alcohol content: 86 proof (43% ABV)
• How to drink: Add water
• Similar to: Aberlour 12
• Smoke level: 😮‍💨😮‍💨

Highland Park 12 offers a floral nose with citrus & honey hints, complemented by a subtle, smoky touch.

The smooth palate is light-bodied but delivers sweetness with a touch of iodine & smoke.

The finish is peppery & slightly sweet with a hint of oak. A few drops of water unlock deeper sweetness & meaty notes.

This easy-drinking Scotch is smooth & sweet with balanced caramel, honey, iodine & smoke.

Highland Park 12 FAQ

Alternatives

• For a similar smoky profile with sweeter notes, consider Caol Ila 12.

Smoke Level:

• Moderately smoky compared to Islay whiskies like Ardbeg 10 or Laphroaig 10.
• Peat from Hobbister Moor contributes a unique character with less medicinal smoke.

Chill Filtration:

• Yes, Highland Park 12 is chill-filtered.
• Potential flavor impact is minimal for most drinkers.

Caramel Coloring:

• Free of caramel coloring, allowing the natural color to shine through.

Aging:

• Matured in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks for 12 years.

How to Drink

• Enjoy neat or with a splash of water to enhance aromas and flavors.

Also read: How to Drink Highland Park 12

For Beginners:

• Highland Park 12 might be too smoky for beginners. Explore a “smoothest Single Malts” list for initial exploration.

Alcohol Content:

• Bottled at 43% ABV (86 proof).

Storage:

• Cool, dark place for optimal longevity.
• Consume sooner once bottle reaches 25% to avoid flavor changes.

Awards:

• Tried & True Award (96/100)
• Ultimate Spirits Challenge 2019 Finalist (Great Value)
• The Fifty Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Awards 2018 (Gold Medal)

How did I review Highland Park 12?

I run a pub and a liquor store, granting me extensive access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller.

My evaluations include my insights and feedback from customers and patrons and whiskey expert opinions from Neil Coleman who has been for decades in the liquor business.

I also corroborate my views with online research to ensure accuracy.

Our ratings are determined primarily by four key factors: aroma, taste, finish, and value for money. While we do consider packaging, it is of lesser importance to us, as we prioritize the quality of the liquid inside over the aesthetics of the bottle.

⭐ – Poor, ⭐⭐ – Average, ⭐⭐⭐ – Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Very Good, ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ – Excellent.

Highland Park 12: Specs

Type of Whisky	Single Malt
Age statement	12Y
Proof	86
ABV	43%
Is it good?	Yes
Is it top-shelf?	No
Does it expire?	No
Sweet?	Mostly
Warm?	No
Peaty?	Moderately
Good for beginners?	Not the best
Good for cocktails?	No
Good with Coke?	No
Calories per shot	108
Gluten-free	Yes
Keto-friendly	Yes
Kosher	No