Last Updated on: 8th April 2024, 06:19 pm
J Highland
J Highland is a certified sommelier with 30 years in the liquor industry, owning a pub, a liquor store, and moonlighting as a spirits distiller.
Explore the variances between Highland Park 12 and Highland Park 15 in this thorough comparison to make an informed choice about the superior Single Malt for your taste!
Quick Note: Running a pub and liquor store provides me ample access to various spirits, in addition, I moonlight as a spirits distiller. I assess them using customer feedback, expert opinions and online research.
Written by: J Highland
Highland Park 12 vs Highland Park 15: Comparison
Highland Park 12: Smoky, sweet intro with floral, smoke, orange, honey nose. Cereal, orange, green tea, smoke palate. Long, oak, pepper finish. Add water. 86 proof.
Highland Park 15: Smooth single malt with peat smoke, orchard fruit, vanilla nose. Vanilla, tobacco, malt, peat palate. Long, peat, oak spice, caramel finish. Add water. 88 proof.
Verdict: Both Highland Park 12 and Highland Park 15 excel in their balanced interplay of smoke and sweetness. Highland Park 12 is an accessible peated whisky, ideal for those new to smoky flavors. Highland Park 15 offers a rich experience with deep vanilla and peat nuances, catering to those seeking a pronounced character, states whiskey expert Neil Coleman.
Related: Best Highland Park Single Malts
Highland Park 12: A Smoky, Sweet Intro
- 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: Talisker 10
The Highland Park 12 year old single malt Scotch whisky offers a gentle exploration of peated whiskies, bridging the gap between boldly smoky Islays and smoother Speysides.
Aromatic Delights:
- Floral, citrusy, and honey notes dance on the nose, with a whisper of smoke adding intrigue.
Smooth and Sweet on the Palate:
- Despite a lighter body, the flavor profile remains smooth and sweet. Expect hints of cereal, orange, green tea, a touch of smoke and honey, and even a subtle iodine note.
A Touch of Smoke, a Hint of Spice:
- The mild peat smoke is a gentle introduction, perfect for beginners curious about this style. A short finish with peppery and oaky touches rounds off the experience.
Water Enhances the Journey:
- Adding a splash of water can unveil additional sweetness and even meaty notes, enriching the tasting experience.
A Respectable Entry Point:
- While the body might feel slightly thin, Highland Park 12 serves as a respectable entry-level single malt. With a touch of water, it offers a balanced and approachable introduction to peated whisky, making it a valuable first step for curious palates.
Additional Notes:
- This whisky matures in casks previously used for Spanish Oloroso sherry, contributing to its sweet and slightly smoky character.
Highland Park 15: A Smooth Single Malt
- Nose: Peat smoke, orchard fruit, vanilla
- Palate: Vanilla, tobacco, malt, peat, caramel, oak
- Finish: Long, peat, oak spice, caramel
- Alcohol content: 88 proof (44% ABV)
- How to drink: Add water
- Similar to: Highland Park 18
The Highland Park 15 year old is a well-regarded single malt Scotch whisky known for its pleasant balance and easy-drinking character. While it might not be the most complex dram, it offers a satisfying combination of sweet and smoky notes.
Tasting Notes:
- Nose: Opens with a touch of peat smoke, followed by hints of apple, pear, and vanilla.
- Palate: Feels smooth and silky on the tongue. Flavors include vanilla, malt, caramel, and light peat, with a touch of toasted oak emerging over time.
- Finish: Lingering and slightly sweet, with a hint of oak spice and caramel.
A Balanced and Approachable Dram:
The Highland Park 15 is not overpowering in its peat content, making it a good choice for those who enjoy a subtler smoky influence. The sweetness from the sherry casks complements the other flavors, resulting in a well-rounded and enjoyable dram.
Additional Notes:
- This whisky is matured primarily in ex-sherry casks, seasoned with Spanish Oloroso sherry.
- It is reasonably priced compared to other whiskies of similar age, but can be slightly difficult to find.
Price comparison
Prices are approximate and stated in USD:
| Whisky | Price |
| Highland Park 12 | $60 |
| Highland Park 15 | $120 |