In the build up to The Whisky Show Old and Rare (18th-19th February), Angus and Jonny kindly let me sample some examples of the kind of whisky on offer at the show (Tickets for Saturday sold out-Sunday tickets available here).
Both the Ardbeg and Highland Park had interesting notes that took time to come forward, but perhaps the Highland Park felt the most different from the Highland Park’s on the market today
Highland Park 1957
Cadenhead’s Bottling
Similar bottles going for £1250 online
Nose: olive oil notes, turkish delight, lime, pears. A creamy, buttery note, icing sugar. Tangerine, raisins.
Palate: More oily notes, very Springbank like on the palate, resin notes, minty, chalky. Dark chocolate, lime.jelly. Cherry liqueur. Shortbread. A sweet wood smoke.
Ardbeg 1974 Smws Bottled 1991
33.12 Smws
£820 for similar bottles on auction
Nose: Sea smoke, beach bonfire, seafood. Earthy smoke. Earthy nutty note.
Palate: burnt caramel, smoked chocolate. PX sherry. Dark chocolate. More nutty notes.
Finish: Iodine. Plaster notes too.
Now I just have to choose my dram list for the day itelf.
Chris Hoban
