Introduced in 2003, Highland Park 15-year-old was a travel exclusive, but became so popular it was added to the distillery’s core lineup.  This is one expression of Highland Park I don’t hear about too much.  People seem to talk about their love of the 12-year-old and 18-year-old, but I never hear about this 15-year-old expression.  This whisky spends three extra years in ex-Oloroso sherry casks versus it’s younger sibling.

The nose is slightly less sweet than the 12-year-old expression.  I get honey and citrus up front.  The sherry cask influence is noticeable.  There’s also floral peat and a subtle campfire smoke.  This whisky has a rich mouthfeel, with honey and malt on the entry, followed by layers of heather peat, sweet smoke and toffee.  Sherried fruit dominate the finish for me, becoming dry after a few moments.

Highland Park 15-year-old is an interesting whisky.  It’s a bit more complex compared to the 12-year, and a little richer.  I like it, but I don’t know if it offers enough to justify a $40 premium over the 12-year-old expression.  For that money, I’d rather pay a few more dollars and pick up the excellent Highland Park 18-year-old.  Still, what’s in the bottle is pretty good.