Whereas the younger vintages were all bottled at 40% abv, the 1973 vintage takes on a higher 50.6% abv, which serves to remind just how characterful Highland Park can be. Taking its inspiration from the Norse influences, which Orkney is renowned for (including the Oseberg ship, a ninth century sailing vessel) this dram completes the well thought out quartet of bottlings.
We made the assumption that if the other 3 were like travelling by luxury class flights, this one must be like owning your own private jet. Let's find out...
Highland Park - 1973 Vintage - 50.6% - Exclusively bottled for travel retail-
Nose: Immediate notes of cedar and citrus give this a very youthful bouquet, which is most surprising. Dig deeper and some lovely perfumed elements start to show through, lavender, rose scented talc and a slightly earthy, woody tone. With the addition of water, a minute hint of wood smoke enters the fray. A great balance indeed.
Palate: Unmistakable Highland park in the mouth- with sweet milky coffee, some white chocolate covered raisins, vanilla ice cream and lemon/orange sherbets thrown in for good measure. The added water brings out a little pronounced pepper, but does little to dent the overall sweetness of this excellent dram.
Finish: The fruity notes remain the most prominent, with a touch of drying wood creeping in as the palate dries. Lovely, lengthy and highly drinkable.
Overall: Highland Park have such an inimitable style and this vintage sits comfortably amongst the most enjoyable ones. Of the 4 new retail vintages, I would plump for the 1990, which I think edges this one into 2nd place by virtue of the wonderfully blackcurrant notes on the nose, but should you find yourself on a long flight from Terminal 5, you could do a lot worse than seek out a bottle of any of these.
