An Orkney Distillery 1999, Nanyang Whisky and REJO Beverages

Nose: quite coastal again (wet pebblestones), although there’s slightly more malty roundness than in the Thompson releases. Toasted oats and other cereal aromas, lemons and just a hint of vanilla. Also graphite, pine needles, heather and resinous notes. The smoky side is quite thin again.

Mouth: ah, more ashes now. A peppery profile that reminds us of Talisker in a way. Briney notes and kippers, with mint, camphor and chalk. A subtle fruity sweetness appears, making it more friendly. Medicinal herbs and oysters towards the end.

Finish: long and drier, still very coastal, with hints of lemons and tobacco leaves.

Richer, more complex, and more typical of Highland Park in my opinion. Simply a very solid, pure expression. Available from Nanyang Whisky. Score: 88/100

I'm really glad we're having so many HPs for Asia. Colour: gold. Nose: this feeling of creamy, liqueury lightly-smoked citrus, lemon tarte, rhubarb tarte (as always, preferably with meringue), plus small herbs, from woodruff to lime tea. This time it is not a very coastal/briney one this far. With water: tighter and grassier. Charcoal, hay, fruit peels, seaweed, touch of camphor and ointments… Mouth (neat): much spicier, much more powerful on the palate, with bitter leaves, zests, menthol and liquorice, green tobacco, then much lemon and lime, plus a welcome small flat oyster. Little flesh, amazing taste - but this is not oysterfun.com, right. With water: the whisky spreads across your tongue, with herbal and coastal notes. Touch of juniper and capsicum. Finish: long. Bitter beer, seawater, bitter oranges, smoky leaves… Comment: full class slightly more austere style. Lovely bitter on the palate.
SGP:462 - 89 points.