Highland Park Dolphins 2nd Release

Highland Park The Dolphins, an officially licensed product for the Royal Navy Submarine Service, embodies the spirit of the sea with its nuanced and complex profile. As the 2nd Release from the storied Highland Park Distillery, bottled in 2018 at 40.0% Vol. in a 700 ml bottle, this single malt Scotch whisky presents an intricate dance of flavors and aromas that both intrigue and challenge the palate. The nose offers a gentle caress of peach and pear puree, swirled together with vanilla and a honey-caramel mixture, further enriched by toffee notes. The appearance of red and darker fruits adds depth, though they remain elusive, contributing to the whisky's complexity without dominating the bouquet. An infusion of herbal and green tea blends seamlessly with shortbread, while lemongrass, hazelnut, and a whisper of spices linger in the background. The experience is softened by a slight sweetness and an almost elusive hint of smoke, with vanilla intensifying over time, flanked by the comforting aroma of mushy banana. Upon tasting, The Dolphins reveals itself to be exceedingly soft, with spices and a light barrel spice initiating the palate, followed by a bitter touch reminiscent of coffee powder. This bitterness gradually gives way to a more pronounced smokiness, akin to ashy smoke or barrel char, which somehow feels "stale". A second sip softens the experience further, introducing a bit more fruitiness, yet the flavors meld into a musty and indistinct amalgamation, challenging the drinker to discern individual notes amidst the hodgepodge of aromatics. The finish allows hazelnut to emerge more prominently, with the ashy smoke receding, yet it fades without a defining statement, leaving a slightly disappointing aftertaste. Highland Park The Dolphins is a whisky that mirrors the deep and unpredictable waters patrolled by the submarines it honors, presenting a journey that is complex, sometimes obscure, but always engaging, inviting aficionados to explore its depths, much like the mysteries of the deep sea itself.