Highland Park Full Volume

Highland Park Full Volume, 17 YO, 47.2 %

Highland Park Full Volume

I have been waiting for this. Ever since I tasted the Highland Park Freya, I have been hoping for another 100 % 1st fill bourbon cask matured whisky from this distillery. I know, they also released HP Ice, but that was not 100 % 1st fill bourbon.

The Highland Park Full Volume was distilled in 1999, and bottled earlier this year. 100 % 1st fill bourbon casks (200 litre barrels and 250 litre hogsheads); a total of 481 casks went into this vatting. The casks were all filled in 1999 (March 30, April 29, August 10, 17 and 31), and the filling strength was 63.6 and 63.7 %

So far the Highland Park Full Volume has received a full release in the US at USD 118, and it is starting to appear in most other markets. It will not pop in the UK at first, since they god the HP Dragon Legend. Expect the Highland Park Full Volume in the Nordics early 2018.

UPDATE 2022-11-10: Available in Norway from November 17 at NOK 1037.

Nose: Soft and shy. Does take a few minutes to open up. Starts off with mainly vanilla and lemon drops. A bit dusty. Then with time it opens up more. Soft wood smoke in the distance and the memory of toast with a spread of rich honey.

Taste: Full-bodied and rich mouthfeel. Medium sweet with soft spices upfront. Caramel, vanilla, coconut and and soot. Tropical fruits. The wood smoke is still there - in the distance.

Finish: Medium long finish. Fresh green apples, orange peel and heather honey now appear.

Comments: A worthy follow-up to the magnificent Freya. Not as big and not as distinct as Freya, but still a lovely dram.

Score (87/100)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sndl4UBqsP0

Sláinte! - Thomas