Highland Park 22 Year Old "The Grene Man" by Dan Hillier, York Road Bottlers 2000

The nose is expressive and complex from the outset, dominated by marzipan, caramelised pears, candied pineapple and ginger. In the background sits a gentle peaty, smoky bonfire note, along with cigar boxes and, with more air, notes of armchair leather and Christmas spices come to the fore.

The palate is creamy, smooth with a glossy texture. Notes of ginger, honey, creamy oats and candied fruit can be identified, along with marmalade and the marzipan that was so present on the nose. The alcohol burn is very controlled and not at all aggressive, nor is the whisky’s structure – it feels light on its feet and almost elegant, despite being packed with flavour.

The finish is very long and complex, with the sweetness of the candied fruit gradually fading to more dried fruit and spices and a very gentle peatiness – the hallmark of a great bottle of Highland Park.