Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.4 Single Malt Scotch Whisky (700ml)

"A giant of a whisky" - No.2 in Whiskyadvocate's Top 20 Whiskies of 2023. Elsewhere pay $180+

This is going to be one of the biggest whisky experiences you're ever likely to come across. Bottled uncut, Highland Park's fourth Cask Strength release comes matured in first-fill sherry seasoned European oak, along with first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks. A small quantity of refill wood, ex-bourbon casks and – for the first time – ex-port casks also enter the mix. Despite the atomic ABV, tasters have remarked that it's actually more approachable than previous batches. Danish Brand Ambassador, Matin Markvardsen comments “It’s extremely easy to drink and even at full strength, which I’m probably not allowed to say, it’s extremely gentle to the palate and I would say the American oak sherry casks that we’ve used here will give it this fruitiness and smoothness that Highland Park is known for. It’s definitely not a heavy sherry product.” He adds “Here we can give people a choice to enjoy the whisky exactly the way they want. If they want to have a huge kick with the high alcohol, we will let them do that... it's the closest they can get to come in and take a sample from the cask.” As it stands, this is almost like getting two bottles of whisky in one, especially when you factor in cutting it to your preferred strength. Take advantage of Australia's best price while direct import stocks last. 64.3% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... A giant of a whisky, with the highest proof ever on our Top 20 list, Highland Park Cask Strength is about more than just high-octane thrills. Unencumbered by an age statement, master whisky maker Gordon Motion was free to paint Batch 4 with flavor in mind, using a vivid palette of sherry-seasoned European and American oak, bourbon, and refill casks, then in a twist, adding port casks for a daring new streak of flavor. In the distillery’s 225th year, Motion’s stellar accomplishment integrates expressive notes of pink grapefruit and exotic spices within a deep well of citrus, dark chocolate, and heathery peat smoke. 95 points - whiskyadvocate.com