Mystery Malt (Highland Park) 14 Year Old 2010 Signatory 100-Proof Edition #30

TWB Tasting Notes: Nose: A fragrant tapestry of dried orchard fruits—apricots, sultanas, and fig—laced with indulgent dark chocolate, spiced fruitcake, and a hint of crème brûlée sweetness. Beneath these richer layers, subtle peat smoke drifts gently, carried on a briny sea breeze. Delicate heather honey and a faint whiff of seasoned leather lend a soft complexity, paying quiet homage to Orkney’s rugged shores. Palate: Velvety and mouth-filling, the whisky balances sweetness with subtle smoke. Sticky toffee pudding, treacle sauce, and black cherry jam form a rich, dessert-like heart, framed by warming cloves, cinnamon, and nutmeg. A gentle peat influence emerges mid-palate—earthy rather than ashy—harmonizing with notes of roasted almonds and honeyed malt, ensuring the sherry richness never overwhelms the Highland Park character. Finish: Long and evolving, the finish gradually sheds its initial sweetness, revealing layers of cocoa nibs, toasted hazelnuts, and a delicate, earthy dryness. A lingering trace of peat smoke and salt-kissed oak remain as a final coastal echo. The result is a complex, satisfying finale that encapsulates both sherry indulgence and the island’s signature maritime soul.