Worth buying? | Highland Park 18 46% REVIEW

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  • เผยแพร่เมื่อ 7 ก.ย. 2024

ความคิดเห็น • 96

  • @lyacoubian
    @lyacoubian ปีที่แล้ว +13

    "A strong worded letter..." 😆🥃
    It is that gentler heather peat that sets Highland park apart from other peated whiskies. I can imagine how good the 46% bottling might be. But the core 43% is still a gem.
    Prohibitive whisky costs are an international dilemma.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Well said. It's still one of my favourite bottles, regardless of the inflated price tag. Love a good HP! 🥃

  • @jeremytheoneofdestiny8691
    @jeremytheoneofdestiny8691 ปีที่แล้ว +8

    The regular HP18 at 43% costs $189 USD where I live now. Insane. Just 2 years ago in 2021 I ultimately decided not to pull the trigger at $125. I wish I had that price now! HP CS is super good though so I’m enjoying that.
    18 year old whiskies are going absolutely nuts here. Glendronach 18 goes for $230 if you can even find it.
    Also I hate the black bottles. I don’t even like tinted bottles.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I agree Jeremy but I have to say that the 43% has always ruined the 18 for me. This is Highland Park not Glenlivet. It has such a great reputation but these days its offerings are on a par with Glenfiddich and Glenlivet. In other words they don't see their business with malt heads like us but the generic whisky sales in supermarkets and the like. Let's not forget that they also exist to play a key part in the blend of Famous Grouse. That made Edrington (Highland Park's owners) more than £800,000,000 last year. Far more than the single malt offering.

  • @cato451
    @cato451 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    New packaging, higher price. Ugh. I used to drink the 18 as a regular Friday night staple. I miss the old days. Funny video Geoff!!

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hah we all miss those days, buddy! 🥃

  • @allenbt11
    @allenbt11 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    Great episode as always. Sorry, can't justify having to try and buy this online for north of US$200 + shipping. Not when the C/S expressions are on the shelf at US$100. This is also a bottle that gets "accidentally" subbed with the regular 43% all the time with some of the sloppier (or less reputable) on line sellers. Cheers. (Blink twice at the end of each sentence if you want us to come and get you...)

  • @forlornHope
    @forlornHope ปีที่แล้ว +6

    Love to try this one . Price here in southeast Wisconsin is about 170$ . Can’t justify this for my budget.
    Great channel , thank you for the content.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah it's too pricey. Great whisky, but it definitely isn't good bang-for-buck. Thanks for watching! 🥃

  • @Nikolay_Nikolov
    @Nikolay_Nikolov ปีที่แล้ว +5

    Hey, Goff!
    Nice review. Informative, honest and entertaining!
    Haven't seen this in Bulgaria. I checked the prices in some online stores in Western Europe though. Well, HP go for premium as usual. Good luck to them.
    On the other hand, the 17 yo Full Volume expression has been on what appears to be a clearance sale in one of the Metro Cash&Carry hypermarkets in Bulgaria for roughly 65 euros for about a month now. Needless to say I secured a bottle for myself. Once in a blue moon us the mere mortals get to afford some well presented, decently aged HP at good price as it seems😊
    Cheers!

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah I agree HP prices are way too premium. Luckily there are still some treasures to be found. €65 for the Full Volume is a good deal! I'd be grabbing a bottle myself for that price. Enjoy, my friend! 🥃

  • @elduderino3120
    @elduderino3120 ปีที่แล้ว +4

    You can take that brand rep! I got your back (from behind my sofa in Holland) :-)

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      😂😂😂

  • @janvervloet1201
    @janvervloet1201 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    I had a bottle but in all honestly I was disappointed. Seemed "flat"to me.
    Then again, drinking and liking malts is all about personal taste and how you feel at the time.
    And you need some lows in your journey to appreciate the highs.

    • @peatbull3426
      @peatbull3426 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Well said and 101% true. For me whiskies are only good and very good because i dont drink bad ones. Trust me 😋👍😁🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

  • @WhiskyWolf514
    @WhiskyWolf514 ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I enjoyed their 12 year old. Also tried the old version of the 12, liked that one too. Having said that, I didn't feel the need to explore more Highlandparks. I guess there are just other whiskys I'm more drawn towards. However, it's a decent brand and whoever enjoys it, good for them! I Just recently saw a video where Highland Park was listed as a Highland distillery....which was...odd....I mean practically correct I guess since the Islands are not an official region....but still really odd....

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Yeah that's officially the case for all Island distilleries. Arran, Jura, Tobermory, etc...

    • @WhiskyWolf514
      @WhiskyWolf514 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Gwhisky Ahh, cool! Learnt something new today. Awesome! Thanks for the infos and for the great content as usual! Cheers Mate 🥃

    • @WhiskyWolf514
      @WhiskyWolf514 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      And...Yeah that brand rep did look like an angry Klingon...that letter was a smart choice

    • @peatbull3426
      @peatbull3426 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Both are correct more/less but Orkney is most right IMHO 👍😁🥂🙋🏻‍♂️

  • @MrChristopherMolloy
    @MrChristopherMolloy ปีที่แล้ว +7

    I suppose it's time for me to recalibrate my brain because I just can't get used to $170 for an 18yo.
    That being said, people have been comfortable paying at least that much for lesser whiskies like Johnnie Walker Blue Label for a long time, so...
    On the bright side, it's about half the price of Springbank 18 😎

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      Yeah it's a fancy (aka overpriced) bottle. I was lucky to trade for this one. Hah! 🥃

    • @MrChristopherMolloy
      @MrChristopherMolloy ปีที่แล้ว +4

      @@Gwhisky I have a Cask Strength Highland Park 13 I got suckered into buying for $170 which I haven't gotten around to opening yet; and I can still get the ~17yo Full Volume version for $90.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +5

      @@MrChristopherMolloy Wait... 13 yr old for $170? Ouch! Let's hope it's epic.
      As far as I'm concerned $90 for the Full Volume is a good deal! 🥃

    • @MrChristopherMolloy
      @MrChristopherMolloy ปีที่แล้ว +3

      @@Gwhisky yeah, it was some kind of Empire State single cask.

    • @welshtoro3256
      @welshtoro3256 ปีที่แล้ว +3

      Who are the people that buy Johnnie Walker Blue watching channels like this though Chris? Whisky novices buy it. Don't recalibrate your brain, just stop buying overpriced whisky. Remember that Highland Park is owned by a giant, Edrington, which has ruined Old Pulteney, Balblair and Macallan as well. They all sell rip-off stuff at our expense. We defeated Diageo (to some extent) when we stopped buying Mortlach. Honestly, I have no idea why people would buy the overpriced 18 year old whiskies I just mentioned above.

  • @AlinJapan
    @AlinJapan ปีที่แล้ว +2

    This first become available in Japan over 2 years ago for roughly $100, costing only $20 more than the Cask Strength and regular 18. The added 3% alcohol definitely makes a difference.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      It absolutely makes a difference. Yeah this was cheaper here in Taiwan not too long ago, too. Sadly it's shot up in price and while I love it, it's not a great buy from a value perspective considering that there are plenty of much more affordable 18s out there. Cheers. 🥃

  • @ashersspicekitchen5965
    @ashersspicekitchen5965 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Another good video. I love the bottle. For me presentation is almost as important

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      It's a cool bottle, but it's getting low and I don't know how much I have left! 😂

  • @peterruffolo700
    @peterruffolo700 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Great review Geoff! Sounds like an absolute banger and the ultimate version of the HP 18 that every fan must have. I'm flying to Chicago next week, so I'll keep my eyes peeled for this one at the duty-free stores. 🤞 Still have fond memories of my old bottle of HP 18 from 2016, back when it was more affordable. Such a good scotch!
    Have you tried the 15, the one in the white bottle?

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Thanks Peter. Yeah I've tried the 15, but I haven't bought a bottle because it's a bit pricey, the abv isn't ideal, and honestly... while it's good, I can spend that money one something else that's a bit more substantial. Enjoy the Chicago trip and good hunting! 🥃

  • @thewhiskyenthusiast
    @thewhiskyenthusiast ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Nice one Geoff! I haven't tried the travel retail but I do really like the regular 18. I've not purchased a bottle though as you say it's quite expensive and I just order one at a whisky bar when I'm in the mood. I'll keep an eye out for this one man, cheers!

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      If you like the regular 18 you'll definitely like this one. Pricey, but fantastic! 🥃

  • @choboxhoos
    @choboxhoos 11 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

    Entertaining video! Just bought a bottle of this on the strength of this review and am looking forward to trying it.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  11 หลายเดือนก่อน

      Hope you enjoy it! 🥃

  • @SirFifolo
    @SirFifolo ปีที่แล้ว +5

    The whole viking bunghole marketing feels like it was created by a 13 year old.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Lol it does. 🥃

  • @hansvaneenennaam457
    @hansvaneenennaam457 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Great review, nice to see how you enjoy this one.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Thanks buddy! 🥃

  • @michaelbroer6378
    @michaelbroer6378 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I love to pair up a Highland Park 18 with an Ardbeg 10. It's probably my favorite two drink combo.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Never tried, but that could definitely work! 🥃

  • @Koby616
    @Koby616 ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Love your jokes 😂 wish hp made something with 46 abv for poor people like me.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hah thanks buddy.I wish they did, too. I was lucky enough to get this through a bottle swap. Too fancy for me as well! 🥃

  • @lucienvisser5405
    @lucienvisser5405 ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Could not stop laughing at your sexy apology🤣. Great fun, makes your channel special.
    About the HP 18. I feel it is a hit or miss thing the last 10-15 years. Have still a couple of bottles but have not bought any the last years. Was the first 18 y.o. single malt whisky i bought many years ago. Came in a different bottle shape back then. That was really great stuff. I still like the 18 but not as much when it was way more sherried. There is some extreem batch variation aswell. You should really always try the 18 before you buy.
    This 46% version sounds interesting but at €170 it loses all appeal. Even the regular 18 at €150 is way to much. You can pick up beter stuff for these prices if you want to spend that much on a single bottle.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      I agree about the regular 18. Beautiful stuff... sometimes. Other times it can be disappointing, and it's overpriced considering the lower abv. This one is a step up in the sense that it's more sherried and more substantial, but the price makes it a tough one to recommend. Cheers Lucien! 🥃

  • @SmirGel
    @SmirGel ปีที่แล้ว +1

    Im looking forward buying Highland Park Cask Strength No 4 i really like no 3 also i just bought latest Port Charlotte Cask Expoloration series PMC:01!

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      I'm looking forward to trying both of those. Both on the wishlist. Enjoy the PC. I hear good things about it! 🥃

  • @lightplays2181
    @lightplays2181 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Hi mr. Geoff ! Last time HP qualiti down (((( Old relase is good much better and i dont buy HP meny time. Cheers !

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      Hah that's fair. It's overpriced these days. Cheers Light! 🥃

    • @lightplays2181
      @lightplays2181 ปีที่แล้ว +2

      @@Gwhisky i very sad (

  • @NeilImmortal
    @NeilImmortal ปีที่แล้ว

    Picked up a couple of bottles for the price of the 43% version a couple of years ago. Not yet opened as I drink less HP these days and there are so many good 18's for far less money to try.

  • @user-cw1ym6hf3g
    @user-cw1ym6hf3g ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks Geoff for the review. One of my solid picks, with talisker18. I also think the travel retail should be in the standard lineup.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Talisker 18 is a stunner. Thanks for watching! 🥃

  • @ashersspicekitchen5965
    @ashersspicekitchen5965 ปีที่แล้ว +5

    You know what’d be cool during the Tasting Notes segment you inserted images or short clips of those ingredients which give out those tasting notes such as Heather, Peat etc. just a thought

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +3

      I'm stretching my time pretty thin with the shoots, the edits, and posting twice a week (I also work full time, exercise, and try to socialize), but I've considered that before. It'd be time consuming, but I agree it would be a nice visual to add! 🥃

    • @ashersspicekitchen5965
      @ashersspicekitchen5965 ปีที่แล้ว +1

      @@Gwhisky I totally understand. Having edited videos I know exactly what you mean, and where you’re coming from. Editing is a pain the ass I wish there was a way to automate it

  • @TheOneGlassMan
    @TheOneGlassMan 8 หลายเดือนก่อน

    great review, thanks. Mine says natural color on the back label (weirdly as part of the tasting notes)

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  8 หลายเดือนก่อน +1

      Ah good to know. Yeah HP is always natural colour. Nice of them to say so on this one, I must have missed that. Cheers! 🥃

  • @aknol74
    @aknol74 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    Bardstown - Discovery Series - Batch 10

  • @peathead4450
    @peathead4450 ปีที่แล้ว

    Thanks for reviewing, Geoff.
    Been travelling lately (goal: Islay)... and given my goal no interest in an expensive Highland Park... trip was expensive enough by itself.
    Slàinte mhath

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Hah true. Travel retail = people who've already spent good money on a plane ticket, and you want how much for this bottle? Lol. I hope you enjoyed your trip, buddy! 🥃

  • @dairyyang5457
    @dairyyang5457 ปีที่แล้ว

    I like this one than the 21yo! It's more sherry, and that usually goes excellent with a bit of heathery peat.
    HP and Talisker 18yo are legend, and I'm lucky to have try them both before the big price jump.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Yeah it's a bit more lively. The 21 is more "sophisticated," but it's also very calm. More age isn't always better!
      Thanks again for your generosity, buddy! 🥃

  • @TheReal_DeanD
    @TheReal_DeanD ปีที่แล้ว +1

    I have the regular HP 18 year that I got for $120 US years ago. I also have some of the 15 year old HPs that I got a sensible price. That's it for me. They're just WAY to expensive now. Only way I'm enjoying any of the newer releases is through youtube vids.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Agree. Too pricey. I was lucky enough to have a friend exchange this bottle with me in a trade, and it wasn't fair to him. 🥃

  • @WhiskyNeighbour
    @WhiskyNeighbour ปีที่แล้ว

    I have enjoyed some samples, but the price means ... well I will not bring it home. Thanks for sharing. Cheers!

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah the price is quite prohibitive. If you have access to samples, that's definitely the smart move. Cheers Jon! 🥃

  • @DileepB
    @DileepB ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Had it every day on a 2 week Viking River cruise last month. Loved it. Included in the Silver Spirits package - great deal. Had the Jura 21 too, but preferred the Highland Park 18.

    • @maritimeus
      @maritimeus ปีที่แล้ว +1

      How amazing for you 😂

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      That's awesome! Would have no problem coming back to this every day! 🥃

  • @ffll8427
    @ffll8427 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    their 18 used to be 85€, put a few % on top due to this being 46% and you have the real value of this overpriced stuff. pricing these days sucks so bad ..

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +2

      Yeah it's too expensive. HP is really pushing it with the age statements these days...

  • @stevemcdede8559
    @stevemcdede8559 ปีที่แล้ว +6

    "Identify as rich in the inside" is hilarious! Borrowing that, and I'm not twisting it in some weird political way.

  • @mamuka1977
    @mamuka1977 ปีที่แล้ว +2

    A regular Highland Park 18-year-old is about $130 around here plus and this one is about 150 to 250. Is it worth it? personally I don't think so, It is great! Whiskey but not for money. If availability was better maybe, anywhere from 100 to 150 would be great.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Yeah... it's overpriced. 🥃

  • @user-sm5mc9xq4i
    @user-sm5mc9xq4i ปีที่แล้ว +3

    Will there be anything strong from Tobermory? For example Tobermory 2007 px finish ABV 62.1% or Hebridean series: Tobermory, 24 years old, ABV 52.5%??

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +4

      As a standard release? I have no idea. I wouldn't mind getting a CS Ledaig at some point! 🥃

  • @alfocrown
    @alfocrown ปีที่แล้ว +1

    i saw that when i was catching connect flight in tapei airport, it was around $150USD by the rate during that time,
    i didnt pull a trigger, maybe i should

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      It's a beauty. Worth grabbing if you can stomach the price. Sadly it's gone up in price recently. Cheers! 🥃

  • @clintondeabreu8565
    @clintondeabreu8565 ปีที่แล้ว

    As a HP fanboy as well I need to find myself one of these.

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Beautiful stuff if you can get past the price tag. Good hunting! 🥃

  • @torbjornkarlsen
    @torbjornkarlsen 2 หลายเดือนก่อน

    I've tried the 12 and the regular 18. It's certainly nice whisky but the presentation is a real deal breaker for me. There's something really reminiscent of tourists souvenirs to the ridiculous bottles, not to mention the condescending ABVs. I recon those bottles aren't cheap - they could likely afford giving us the missing 3% ABV if they would just use a regular bottle. Besides, I will go out of my way to avoid anything with a lot of marketing, because paying extra for being manipulated is absurd.

  • @forwork2601
    @forwork2601 ปีที่แล้ว

    This price seems like a major discount when compared to a Macallan 18

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Hah most things do... 🥃

  • @maltedbarleyman7834
    @maltedbarleyman7834 ปีที่แล้ว

    This is probably a stupid question, but is travel retail basically alcohol you can only get at an airport? I'm asking this without having done a Google search. If so, is this stuff accessible without having to go through security?

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      Not a stupid question at all! It depends, though. When COVID hit and nobody was flying, there was a surge in travel retail exclusives that made it into regular whisky shops. That was certainly the case in my market, as well as plenty of others. Generally speaking, yes, they're for airports. But sometimes you can buy them in regular shops and from big online retailers. So yeah... it depends. 🥃

  • @welshtoro3256
    @welshtoro3256 ปีที่แล้ว

    Worth buying? No. The price is insulting. The price of the regular 18 is insulting. Highland Park don't do anything right any more. The last value for money good expression was Twisted Tattoo - a sixteen year old bottled at 46% and costing £65 - £75 a bottle. You have the cask strength but it's a NAS and all the age statements are bottled at 43%. They're all overpriced. I had a chat with Ralfy recently and he informed me that he has no plans to review Highland Park because he doesn't want to had further negativity on the whisky scene. A great distillery which can make great whisky but don't.
    I agree with you about the Independent HP. They are hit and miss but usually miss because most of them are ex-bourbon and, like you, I think the profile is lifted with the inclusion of some sherry in the mix. I have one Highland Park in the bunker which, when I open it, I hope will restore some of my forgotten joy back to the distillery. It's a Cadenhead's 24 year cask strength distilled in 1979.
    I'd love to buy the bottle you reviewed but why should I pay that kind of money? There's no justification whatsoever for the price. It's just pure greed from the corporate bosses. I'm in complete agreement with Ralfy and I think our good pal, Whisky Lock feels the same way too.
    Great review all the same. I'm very happy to watch a fine review of whisky I don't intend to buy.
    Cheers. WT

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว +1

      I was lucky enough to get this through a bottle exchange. If I were rich and money weren't an issue, I'd happily buy this stuff because I'm an HP fanboy and I love the house style. From a value perspective, though, it's a pass. Can't disagree with a word you've said here. Cheers WT! 🥃

  • @LoucoPorWhisky
    @LoucoPorWhisky ปีที่แล้ว

    Have you tried the 16?

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      I've tried the Twisted Tattoo 16 yr old release from a while back, but not the standard 16. "Wings of the Eagle." Lol. 🥃

  • @troublesome89
    @troublesome89 ปีที่แล้ว

    Why do you add water to the 46 ABV juice?

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      Opens it up.

  • @maritimeus
    @maritimeus ปีที่แล้ว +2

    Geoff is trans-rich 😂

    • @Gwhisky
      @Gwhisky  ปีที่แล้ว

      😂😂😂