Blackadder 1982 Highland Park Distillery Scotch – Review

Blackadder 1982 Highland Park Distillery 20 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

112.2 Proof

Price Point: Unknown for 750 ML

Distiller: Highland Park Distillery

Background

My third review in my Blackadder series travels to the Highland Park Distillery on the isle of Orkney, at the very north side of Scotland.  This is very much different than my previous two reviews of the Longmorn 13 Year Old and the Springbank 1991, in that this one is aged longer and is bottled at barrel proof.

If you recall my review of Highland Park 12 Year Old, I didn’t care all that much for the flagship expression from the distillery.  We’ll see how this special bottling compares.

Review

There is lots of sediment present from the charred oak on the inside of the barrel.  This cloudy whisky has a nose full of creamy peat.  There’s caramel and molasses to add a little sweetness.  In addition, Blackadder Highland Park has pine needles and mint on the nose.

Mature oak is big and in your face in the first sip.  This is a very “woody” whisky.  There’s leather and a touch of peat and smoke.  Blackadder Highland Park has perhaps a sherry influence, although I do not know the history of this particular bottle/barrel.  There’s a little sea salt present, too.  This Scotch drinks hot, as a cask strength whisky should.

The finish is big, long, and warming, with a minty aftertaste.

Rating & Recommendations

Blackadder Highland Park is a very nice tasting Scotch, receiving a rating of 89 out of 100.

This is a bold whisky for bold whisky drinkers.  Certainly proof that a little extra aging and a higher proof can do nice things for Highland Park.

-Ryan