Last Updated on: 26th April 2024, 05:38 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.
Discover the best way of drinking Highland Park 12: Ideas for tasting, pairing, and enjoying this affordable and smooth Scotch.
Written by: J Highland
Key Takeaways
- Scotch expert Neil Coleman recommends trying it neat first, then adding water bit by bit to taste.
- Ice is not preferred as it can mask flavors; the Scottish tradition of adding water is suggested.
- A Glencairn glass is recommended for its aroma-enhancing shape.
- The flavor profile includes floral scents, citrus, sweet honey, and a subtle smokiness.
- Pairing suggestions include walnuts, dark chocolate, and smoked salmon.
- 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.
Best Way to Drink Highland Park 12
“The best way to enjoy Highland Park 12 is by adding a little water. “, mentions whisky expert Neil Coleman.
Adding a few drops of water enhances the sweetness and brings out meaty notes, further improving the experience of the Highland Park 12
Without water, it’s still good, but you’ll taste a spicy kick.
When you add water, this spicy taste goes away.
This is why adding water is the best way to drink this 12-year-old scotch.
- Related: Highland Park 12 vs 18
- Learn more: Highland Park 12 Website
Adding Water: Tread Thoughtfully
To get the best taste, first try it straight from the bottle.
After that, add water little by little until it tastes right for you.
Everyone has their own taste and notices different flavors.
So, there’s no one-size-fits-all rule. But usually, a small splash of water is the way to go for scotch, especially this whisky.
On the Rocks
While adding ice certainly chills the whisky, it doesn’t bring out any new flavors.
It’s common in America to pop ice cubes into just about everything, but when it comes to scotch, the Scots have it down to an art.
They’ve been adding water to their whisky for centuries, carefully unlocking and enhancing the spirit’s nuances.
To truly savor and understand the depth of a good Scotch, it’s worth considering the Scottish tradition.
After all, when in Rome – or in this case, Scotland – do as the locals do.
So, for the most authentic experience, I’d recommend drinking scotch the way the Scots do.
Selecting the Perfect Glass
The Glencairn remains the top contender when drinking Highland Park 12.
Its tapered form accentuates the whisky’s rich aromatic profile, amplifying your drinking journey.
The glass’s structure facilitates gentle swirling, revealing Highland Park 12’s diverse aromas.
Moreover, its transparency magnifies the whisky’s deep amber glow.
In essence, for a whisky of Highland Park 12’s stature, Glencairn is unmatched.
Flavor Profile
The nose is packed with rich floral scents and a slight tang of citrus and sweet honey.
On the palate, the whisky feels smooth with predominant sweet flavors of cereal, orange, and green tea, infused with a subtle smokiness, hints of iodine, and honey.
Though the texture of the body may seem a bit light, the whisky remains enjoyable.
The finish is somewhat sweet and spicy with notes of oak and a relatively short duration.
Cocktails
While Highland Park 12 is a jewel on its own, it may not be the primary pick for mixed drinks.
Its intricate and multi-layered profile is best relished without distractions.
For those keen on mixing Scotch-based cocktails, I’d guide you towards a more versatile blend, perhaps the Naked Malt which is made from a blend of Single Malt whiskies crafted at the Macallan and Highland Park distilleries.
Their adaptive nature marries well with mixers like soda or ginger ale, making for delightful beverages.
Food Pairings
Considering its richness, Highland Park 12 complements a range of edibles:
- Walnuts: Echoing its slight nutty undertones.
- Dark Chocolate: Exemplifying its rich, cocoa hints.
- Smoked Salmon: The smoky nuances in both create a delightful pairing.
Maintaining Your Bottle’s Integrity
To preserve its essence:
- Stand it vertically to maintain the cork’s condition.
- Dodge direct sunlight exposure.
- Commit to stable, ambient storage temperatures.
- Relish it when its profile is most vibrant.
About Highland Park 12
Highland Park is famous for its distinctive peat sourcing and its unique reliance on ex-Sherry casks exclusively.
The climate on the Orkney Islands is characterized by strong winds and the sweeping influence of the sea, resulting in an inhospitable environment for trees.
Consequently, the peat bogs in Orkney contain a higher proportion of heather, grass, and other vegetation compared to those on Islay.
Highland Park 12 incorporates approximately 20% first-fill sherry casks in its aging process.