Phil & Simon Thompson 20 Years Old Orkney 49.5% 1998

Professional reviews

BOW (89)

Malt Review.com:

Colour: a light haze.

On the nose: Shortbread, sea salt crisps and creamed corn. A gentle current of apples and limes reside underneath. A little earthy, sunflower oil, fresh vanilla pod and pineapple cubes. Lemon tea, wood shavings, toffee, peanuts, a used shammy, pine nuts, some waxiness and a waft of smoke.

In the mouth: solid without being explosive or thrilling. Crackers, caramel, vanilla and a hint of subtle peat. Popcorn, some floral heather with a sappy nature and more apples. More smoke, cask char and a hint of orange with honey.

Conclusions

An enjoyable Highland Park, the nose is terrific and matches the gorgeous label. The palate itself is pleasurable and really warrants futher investigation. A very easy drinking example from this distillery, that benefits from being matured in an ex-bourbon hogshead. I’m sure many out there will appreciate the break from sherry cask matured Highland Park’s.

In a few years time, this might have been the full menu, but for now it’s a lovely aperitif.

Score: 7/10