Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo

Twisted Tattoo? Seriously? What’s that all about? Anyway, the interesting thing about this HP is the fact that it matured on a combination of bourbon casks and Rioja wine casks. La Rioja is a wine region in northern Spain that takes its name from the Rio Oja. Tempranillo is the most commonly used blue grape for their red wines. As far as I know, this is the first time HP uses this type of cask.

Well, the bourbon casks have clearly put their foot down. I get the typical notes of grain cookies, coconut, citrus and apples. This is joined by heather – typical HP – and a touch of woodsmoke. Smoky? Nope. After a few minutes I do get some blackberries and some toffee apples. Quite underwhelming, actually.

It is nicely creamy and sweet, but it surprises me with its flavor profile. The typical HP notes are somewhat subdued due to the blackberries and gooseberries, bitter oranges and something that reminds me of liquorice. The peat now does kick in and makes for a nice smokiness. Midpalate, it turns very dry, though.

The finish is long and drying.

Well, this is not my favorite Highland Park, I must say. Does little for me. Around 90 EUR, which can hardly be called cheap.

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