Highland Park 21 Year 2020 Release Single Malt Scotch Whiskey

The Highland Park 21-Year-Old 2020 release is a distinguished single malt Scotch whisky that has garnered appreciation for its finely balanced and complex character. Crafted using whiskies aged in three distinct types of casks—sherry-seasoned first-fill European oak hogsheads, ex-bourbon casks, and refill casks—this expression offers a rich and multi-layered tasting experience.

Reviewers have highlighted its depth and sophistication, with a tasting profile that includes a nose of leather, tobacco leaf, flamed orange peel, sherry, and a subtle wisp of smoke. Freshness emerges later on, reminiscent of a fruit salad with notes of orange slices, banana, ripe pear, and grilled pineapple. The palate is described as rich and mature, featuring dark chocolate and spice, complemented by a sweet fruitiness of tropical fruits poached in honey syrup, more oranges, and soft toffee. The finish is long, pleasant, and evocative of dark chocolate, with a little water amplifying the sweetness.

Another review describes Highland Park 21 as having a nose of malt, dark sweets, fruit, citrus peels, oak, and some light smoke, spice, and cocoa notes. The palate echoes these characteristics with sherry, malt, nutty, caramel, and dark fruit flavors, alongside ash, fresh waffles, and a hint of smoke and earthy spice. It finishes with a medium-length darkly sweet note layered with wood, sherry, smoke, and ash, presenting a well-balanced, medium-bodied whisky with a round, full feel​.

This expression, initially created for the global travel retail market, quickly gained a following for its rich character that recalls the "glory days" of Highland Park. It stands out not only for its age but also for the nuanced integration of flavors resulting from its diverse cask maturation process. If you're looking for a whisky that combines the signature honeyed style of Highland Park with the added depth and complexity of a 21-year aging process, this 2020 release is a remarkable choice that offers a glimpse into the distillery's esteemed legacy and craftsmanship.