With its golden color and hint of heather, Highland Park 12 is the single malt Scotch for all occasions. Autumn in the air that first week of October? Highland Park 12 has you covered. Looking for something to pair with a bloomy cheese? The intimation of smoke in the Highland Park 12 will beautifully compliment rather than overwhelm. For the sherry bomb lover and the ardent Islay supporter, it’s the middle of the flavor Venn diagram; the dram that will cause both sides to, momentarily, smile in agreement. All of this and you should be able to find it for around $48 (unless you live in New York City - in which case just add it to the list of things you overpay for in exchange for proximity to The Brandy Library) making it in our humble opinion one of the best single malt Scotches under $50.
The Highland Park Distillery is located on the Orkney Islands; essentially, north of almost everything. It sits in the same location that Highland Park’s founder, Magnus Eunson, had his original (and illicit) still at High Park. Today, the distillery has 23 warehouses (inexplicably labeled 1 to 25) and two kilns topped by the classic pagodas. Proving that some things cannot be improved upon, the “newer” of the two kilns is just over 100 years old. The stills are outfitted with windows, so that the liquid can be observed at any time even while boiling. Highland Park 12 is aged in European and American sherry seasoned oak casks.
It’s not just us at Best Single Malt Scotch that are quick to endorse Highland Park 12. Michael Parker, Austin’s unofficial single malt Scotch ambassador and the owner of Opal Divine's, notes that, for someone who is new to Scotch, Highland Park 12 is a good start. Parker explains that “Most bourbon drinkers will find something to like in it. As the “Greatest all rounder” it has good highland flavors of heather, citrus and honey and it also has a bit of “sea spray” and a hint of peat smoke.”
Pints Pub, the legendary spot for single malt Scotch in Denver, notes quite succinctly in its “Whiskey Book”: “Recommended. Well rounded.” Perfectly said!
