Highland Park 1964 Rare Old Gordon & MacPhail 40% 1964

Professional reviews

BOW (92)

Nose:
A truly singular opening: an intriguing, slightly eccentric mix. Sherry-forward with an unusual medicinal hint, whispers of menthol and a touch of the dentist’s chair before revealing layers of baked apple, cloves, and warming cinnamon. Toffee melds with bittersweet orange and a scattering of walnuts. With time, the initial strangeness mellows, and that unmistakable Highland Park heather and grassy note begins to assert itself.

Taste:
An explosion of flavor that belies its ABV, coating every corner of the palate. Baked apple draped in an array of spices invites a memory of autumn fairs. Clove and cinnamon hold hands with a subtle undercurrent of anise and nutmeg. Manuka honey weaves through with light raisin and candied nuts, while roasted and candied notes add depth. A nod to fennel tea, toasted oak makes itself known, and a distinctive whisper of Highland Park peat brings an earthy presence. Hints of hay flicker in the background.

Finish:
Dry and defined by the toasted oak and roasted nut profile. The roasted character commands center stage, intertwined with echoes of cinnamon and anise. Baked apple lingers as the finish stretches long, drawing the experience to a slow, satisfying close.