#2 Top 20 Whiskies 2023 – Whisky Advocate

Our fourth release has been matured predominantly in first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks, along with first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks, a small quantity of refill casks, ex-bourbon casks and for the first time ex-port casks too. Bottled straight from the cask, without the addition of water to reduce alcohol content, our Cask Strength series marries the traditional craft of whisky making with a modern approach to flavour exploration.

Cask Strength Release No. 4 opens with enticing aromas of toasted coconut, driven by the ex-bourbon casks, along with crushed lemons and cedarwood; theres a delightful hint of Turkish Delight in the aromatic peat smoke too, thanks to the influence of the ex-port casks. Intriguing flavours of zesty pink grapefruit and fragrant rose water emerge on the palate, expertly balanced by earthier suggestions of toasted oak and heather-rich peat, while the long finish reveals exotic sun-baked spices and a ribbon of liquorice running through the final breath of floral peat smoke.

“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 distillerys 225th year, Motions stellar accomplishment integrates expressive notes of pink grapefruit and exotic spices within a deep well of citrus, dark chocolate, and heathery peat smoke.No.-2 Top 20 Whiskies of 2023” – Jonny McCormick, Whisky Advocate (95 Points)