Highland Park The Light 17 Years 52.9% NV

Professional reviews

Serge Valentin (90)

We’ve had the darker (read more sherried) The Dark earlier in February and thought it was rather too oak-influenced. The Light is supposed to be more ‘zesty’, let’s see… Colour: pale gold. Nose: exactly. Zestier, fresher, better chiselled, rather earthy, almost muddy in a good way, a tad sooty. Apples, pomelos, then more coastal whiffs, iodine, then ointments, mercurochrome, oysters… With water: rather perfect. Orkney mud, clay, toothpaste, wine yeasts, beer… Mouth (neat): excellent! Rather peaty, medicinal and coastal, with superb grapefruits, ginseng, more grapefruits, touches of rhubarb and kiwi, a little mint, eucalyptus drops, chlorophyll… This one’s right up my alley! With water: just excellent indeed, with lemons comings out. That always works a treat in my book. Finish: medium, very refreshing, with more chlorophyll, eucalyptus, and earthy elements. Like, mushrooms. Always a touch of peat smokiness in the aftertaste. Comments: totally classic HP without any botox or silicone. What a great distillate when it’s allowed to sing as a solo!

Gal Granov (89)

Nose: Quite fresh I must admit, and very fitting for springtime , with a nice fruity touch , with a melange of ripe peaches, pears and red apples, on top of some a nice woody backbone, vanilla and more over-ripe orange/tangerine kind of note, ending on lemon zest, sandalwood , with a floral touches. It’s really like taking a stroll in an orchard on a spring day. very nice indeed, but not very HP like, with no smoke whatsoever.

Palate: The palate is a bit more intense, peppery up front with a very nice mouthfeel, and then the fruit starts to kick in, which is beautiful : quite tropical at first with mango, passion fruit up front, then some more vanilla, hints of smoke, and finally the wood makes an entry. late , but is certainly there. More peach, and pear, make up for an excellent and quite complex palate.

Finish: longish, with apple peel, pepper, vanilla and wood, the exotic fruit is gone.



This is an excellent whisky, although it’s not very Highland Park-ish. very light and fruity at times, packing a punch as well, but the HP smoky side is very much toned down. Given this one blind, i would have a very hard time guessing what this is, for good and for bad.

A really good one in my opinion, but not your classic HP. At any rate, a tad expensive at almost 200 quid a pop. Mainly for die hard HP collectors, and fans. the bottle looks amazing as always. Good work there guys. For us mere mortals with a limited budget, there are other cheaper and more ‘classic’ styled HPs out there.

Happy Spring / Summer.

BOW (90)

A Radiant Whisky Experience

Highland Park, the esteemed distillery renowned for its exceptional single malt Scotch whiskies, has crafted a remarkable expression known as Highland Park The Light 17 Years Old. Bottled at a robust 52.9% ABV, this limited edition whisky is a testament to the distillery's commitment to excellence and offers a truly radiant drinking experience. Let us delve into the intriguing details and unique characteristics of Highland Park The Light.

A Symphony of Flavors:
Highland Park The Light 17 Years Old showcases a carefully curated blend of flavors that dance harmoniously on the palate. With its higher strength, this whisky delivers an intensified and captivating tasting journey.

Upon the first nosing, notes of sweet vanilla and honey emerge, accompanied by delicate hints of ripe fruits. The aroma carries a gentle floral quality, reminiscent of blooming heather and fresh meadows.

Taking a sip reveals a complex tapestry of flavors. The Light offers a delightful interplay of crisp citrus zest, juicy tropical fruits, and a subtle touch of spicy oak. These elements mingle seamlessly, creating a layered and captivating taste profile that evolves with each sip.

The Distillation Process:
Highland Park's dedication to craftsmanship is evident in The Light. Distilled in the traditional copper pot stills, this expression embodies the artistry and expertise of the distillers. The use of quality barley, expert malting, and slow fermentation contribute to the exceptional character of the whisky.

Maturation:
The Light spends 17 years maturing in carefully selected oak casks, allowing the whisky to develop depth and complexity. The casks used for maturation impart subtle yet distinctive flavors, adding layers of character to the spirit. This patient maturation process ensures that The Light attains a remarkable balance of flavors and a remarkable depth of character.

A Collector's Gem:
Highland Park The Light 17 Years Old is not only a whisky of exceptional quality but also a prized collector's item. Limited in production and highly sought after by whisky enthusiasts and collectors worldwide, this expression represents a testament to Highland Park's commitment to producing whiskies of the highest caliber. Its striking packaging, adorned with intricate designs inspired by the natural elements of Orkney, further enhances its allure.

Conclusion:
Highland Park The Light 17 Years Old is a radiant gem within the world of single malt Scotch whiskies. With its captivating flavors, meticulous craftsmanship, and limited availability, it offers an extraordinary whisky experience for enthusiasts and collectors alike. Whether savored as a special occasion dram or cherished as part of a whisky collection, Highland Park The Light is an exquisite testament to the distillery's commitment to creating exceptional whiskies that illuminate the senses.