Paddy Irish Whiskey (70cl)

This is one of three cask strength Highland Parks from the Berry's collection that we've managed to import directly, so the prices are very keen. All the whiskies are non chill filtered. Despite being the youngest of the trio, the 2002 is the most deeply coloured, suggesting extra sherry input.

Tasting note: Deep amber. Orcadian peat differs being more moss and heather heavy, as opposed to mainland peat which is sooty / woody, or Islay which tends towards notes of tar and maritime. This is a great example. Lightly smokey with a decent injection of sherry, you get honey and oatmeal biscuits, grilled nuts and new leather on the nose. In the mouth, it's hard to believe it's cask strength, given the superb balance and flavour integration. Smoke and sherry are beautifully combined with dried fruits, honey and soft spices dovetailing into a complex finish. Non chill filtered. 56.8% Alc./Vol.

Other reviews... Colour: deep gold. Nose: Gingery sherry at first. Rather spicy with notes of Selkirk bannock, rye bread, clove rock, mineral oil and soot. With a little time a more obvious HP character emerges in the form of heather ale, light mead and graphite. Some flints and pencil shavings as well. With water: a bit more elegant now with notes of lemon rind, red fruit teas, dried sage and damp earth. Milk chocolate as well with time. Mouth: a big, bold and earthy sherry profile. Lots of salted caramel, nuts, trail mix, sultanas, banana chips, coal dust, a lick of hessian and some green tea. Rosehips, honey and malted milk. With water: cured meats, salted peanuts, Turkish delight and a touch of maraschino cherry. Finish: Good length, a touch of rubber, some salted dark chocolate, more earthy notes and a bit of plum sauce. Comments: solid HP, although I feel the heavier elements come from the cask and this is overall a lighter example of the make. I miss a little lick of Orkney peat in this one. But it’s an excellent quaffer all the same. 56.3% Alc./Vol.
- 85 points Serge Valentin, whiskyfun.com