Highland Park Einar
40% ABV - Orkney Islands, Scotland
Nose: This must be on the light and sweet side of their flavour wheel. Sweetness from tropical fruits and berries. The smoke is faint and it’s no coincidence that I mention it last.
Taste: There are tropical fruits on the arrival, quickly followed by toasted nuts and sweetened smoke off the barbecue. An occasional hint of wood smoke.
Finish: It’s short, light, and sweet. I’m not finding the same tropical fruit flavours—these are replaced by floral notes. Smoke fades.
The Warrior Series by Highland Park is a great tour of flavour! At this point I don’t expect I will try them all, but having also sampled Svein and Harald, my ratings indicate that I prefer the European Oak influence (compared to American Oak). And they are found only in Travel Retail, so if you see a bottle, or have a generous friend, take the opportunity!
Tasted 22 January 2018.
81/100
Detailed Rating Information...
90+: Fantastic whisky; highly recommended.
My favourite whiskies – I might have more than one bottle if the price is right and the supply is limited! The higher values in this range will reflect a stronger balance and consistency between components.
85-89: Great whisky; recommended.
Whiskies that tick the flavour boxes and you'll likely hear about these from me. An easy decision to order at a bar/restaurant and one to consider buying a bottle of.
80-84: Very good whisky; recommended, but still consider trying before you buy.
Most of these whiskies I was really happy to have the opportunity to taste, but, apart from a dram here and there, I don’t think I would buy a bottle.
75-79: Good whisky; consider trying before you buy.
These are whiskies that I did enjoy drinking, but likely would reach for another bottle or select something different to order.
65-74: Average; consider trying before you buy, but not recommended.
There is nothing that stood out about this whisky and I might be inclined to mix it with soda or in a cocktail, instead of trying to enjoy its own flavours.
50-64: Bad; not recommended.
I didn’t like this and would sooner pass on another opportunity and order a beer instead than have it again… but never say never.
