Scotch !

**Merlin** · 12th February 10, 02:40 PM

OK...so I braved the snow and set out to finally get a taste of Highland Park 12.
It seems Majestic had a special! That's rrrrright.... purchase a .750 of HP12 and get a FREE 50ml bottle of HP18!
Wait....it get's even be'er!

Purchase same on Tuesday and get an additional 20% off! That makes it only $38 for .750 of HP12 and .050 of HP18.

So if my math serves me correctly.... If I buy 13 bottles of this special package on Tuesday.... I'll be getting a FREE .750 bottle of Highland Park 18 !!

Anyhoooos.... here's to ya Scot's out there.... I'm about to take the first snort of the 12!

Ahhhh... The original aroma is almost pungent .... in a good way though. Ye expect it to be overwhelmingly powerful just from the bouquet...but it isn't. Robust oak flavours without a burning alcohol residue.
Ahhhhhhhhh...... very nice.

Now let's compare the 18.
First...cleanse the pallet and wash the class. Here we go. Similar aroma.... first taste is ... very different. I expected it to be more similar but perhaps smoother but it's not at all. Much more oak flavors... a bit smoother too but a cooler oak flavor. I could see how someone could prefer the 12 over the 18.... just a different taste.

OK...so much for all that.... I'm going to play some internet poker and enjoy this single malt the way it was meant to be.... wearing wool socks in a warm office...looking out at the snow.

Ahhhhh....life is good!

**turpin** · 12th February 10, 09:03 PM

Try the HP12 with just a rouch of water. It really opens up the flavors.

**Merlin** · 13th February 10, 07:17 AM

Originally Posted by turpin

Try the HP12 with just a rouch of water. It really opens up the flavors.

That's how I like it

**gordontaos** · 14th February 10, 11:29 PM

For some reason Highland Park has never been on my radar.

Looks like i now have to try to find it in this town, or else the next time that i drive down to Santa Fe.

Thanks for the tip!

**ForresterModern** · 23rd February 10, 06:59 AM

Tobermory or Auchentoshan for some wonderfully soft flavors and no real afterbite.

**Jock Scot** · 23rd February 10, 07:24 AM

Well alright if you really want me to climb off the fence and commit myself my three would be:
1. Talisker.
2. Talisker.
3. Talisker.

Subtle sea type tastes with a huge after taste.Definitely one to sip and savour.

**Jack Daw** · 25th February 10, 08:51 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Well alright if you really want me to climb off the fence and commit myself my three would be:
1. Talisker.
2. Talisker.
3. Talisker.

Subtle sea type tastes with a huge after taste.Definitely one to sip and savour.

I was decrying the lack of Talisker 18 at the package stores right after Christmas. I finally found a bottle recently. It's labeled, 'Talisker 1992', and it's delicious. I also have a bottle of the 10.

**lethearen** · 23rd February 10, 08:04 AM

Glenmorangie makes two of my faves... Nectar d'Or for around 70$, and Signet for around 250$. My third fav is a recent aquisition. I know it's Auchentoshan, but as for what it costs or even which specific "model" it is, I couldn't say. But it has about the perfect balance of peat for me.

For some reason I now have a hankering to try to find Talisker, though...

Merlin, if you haven't been to the Trinity at Mockingbird & 75, obey Cynthia and get your kilted butt down there. And be sure to post in the Texas forum when you're going so maybe we can get a few other of the local rabble there!

**Jack Daw** · 25th February 10, 08:49 AM

I like Highland Park 12. I have an opened bottle at home. For trying new scotches at the pub, I recommend the use of a taster or sampler glass so that you can make it home relatively undamaged.

**Merlin** · 4th March 10, 12:38 PM

I'm sure this has been talked about somewhere but can someone please explain in "Scotch for Dummies" terms what it means to be "original cask" or "quarter cask"?