Title:
Dramfool “54th Release” High Parkland #2 16Yr Old
Description:
The 54th release from Dramfool is our second, and long awaited, High Parkland, again still a secret island distillery. Last time (some two years ago) the full bourbon maturation sister spirit was greatly received. This time we have the same 14-year-old bourbon matured spirit, but it has been resting for two further years in an ex-Oloroso hogshead which had previously matured our Cola Ali 6 Islay Single Malt.
It has taken on some wonderful colour, taste and slight extra hint of smoke. We have tried and tested this at a few festivals already prior to release, and were thrilled with the response. The hogshead yielded 312 bottles at cask strength of 61.9%.
Filled on 11/05/2006 and bottled on 16/05/2022 at 16 years old.
Region: Highlands
ABV: 61.9%
Price: £95.00
This release spent 14 years in a bourbon hogshead before a 2 year finishing period in an ex-Oloroso hogshead which had previously matured Dramfool’s Cola Ali 6 release. The cask yielded 312 bottles.
Nose
We’re finding a big hit of salt as we take our first sniff, alongside freshly cut hay and sand from a beach in the midday sun. There’s a florality here, honeysuckle and something that reminds us a little of deodorant. There’s a light peat here, it’s mellow yet it fills the glass the more you go back to it. The alcohol is definitely here, slightly too powerful for us and we feel it’s masking some of the more delicate aromas we could be getting. Air reveals bakers yeast and shortbread biscuits.
Palate
An unexpected mixture of sweet and sour bursts out as you take your first sip, following quickly into a more prominent, log burning-esque peat smoke. The dram has a really impressive texture, it’s almost like thick, viscous custard in the mouth. The finish is long, with zingy lime and cranberry flavours lingering on. Now, we have to admit that this contends relatively well with the powerful ABV of the dram, but we’re finding an overly warming sensation in our chests after a few sips. Air brings custard cream biscuits, apple brandy, sweet vanilla oak and Manuka honey with flakey sea salt mixed in.
Nose (with water)
Water releases an earthy, foostiness that was undetectable before. The powerful alcohol notes have been brought into balance, and we’re finding a more harmonious nose with salt water, a little truffle oil, wet cardboard and green apple.
Palate (with water)
Again, water helps to tame the beast, and we’re finding sherbet, sour mix, raspberry puree, burnt logs, apple juice and lime peel. The smoke has amplified as well, and shows most prominently on the finish. The mouthfeel has lost a little texture, but it’s still very good and the finish retains its length.
Conclusion
We make no secret that we’re not the biggest Highland Park fans, but we’re always willing to alter our opinion and this Dramfool release helps towards that. It is overly alcoholic, but water helps to smooth out those rough edges, and the dram is packed with flavour. The finishing period in the ex-Caol Ila cask gives a different peat profile from what we’re used to with Highland Park, but it works relatively well. For us we’ll settle on 7.5/10, but this is very good quality whisky that Highland Park fans may enjoy more than us.
It has taken on some wonderful colour, taste and slight extra hint of smoke. We have tried and tested this at a few festivals already prior to release, and were thrilled with the response. The hogshead yielded 312 bottles at cask strength of 61.9%.
Filled on 11/05/2006 and bottled on 16/05/2022 at 16 years old.
Region: Highlands
ABV: 61.9%
Price: £95.00
This release spent 14 years in a bourbon hogshead before a 2 year finishing period in an ex-Oloroso hogshead which had previously matured Dramfool’s Cola Ali 6 release. The cask yielded 312 bottles.
Nose
We’re finding a big hit of salt as we take our first sniff, alongside freshly cut hay and sand from a beach in the midday sun. There’s a florality here, honeysuckle and something that reminds us a little of deodorant. There’s a light peat here, it’s mellow yet it fills the glass the more you go back to it. The alcohol is definitely here, slightly too powerful for us and we feel it’s masking some of the more delicate aromas we could be getting. Air reveals bakers yeast and shortbread biscuits.
Palate
An unexpected mixture of sweet and sour bursts out as you take your first sip, following quickly into a more prominent, log burning-esque peat smoke. The dram has a really impressive texture, it’s almost like thick, viscous custard in the mouth. The finish is long, with zingy lime and cranberry flavours lingering on. Now, we have to admit that this contends relatively well with the powerful ABV of the dram, but we’re finding an overly warming sensation in our chests after a few sips. Air brings custard cream biscuits, apple brandy, sweet vanilla oak and Manuka honey with flakey sea salt mixed in.
Nose (with water)
Water releases an earthy, foostiness that was undetectable before. The powerful alcohol notes have been brought into balance, and we’re finding a more harmonious nose with salt water, a little truffle oil, wet cardboard and green apple.
Palate (with water)
Again, water helps to tame the beast, and we’re finding sherbet, sour mix, raspberry puree, burnt logs, apple juice and lime peel. The smoke has amplified as well, and shows most prominently on the finish. The mouthfeel has lost a little texture, but it’s still very good and the finish retains its length.
Conclusion
We make no secret that we’re not the biggest Highland Park fans, but we’re always willing to alter our opinion and this Dramfool release helps towards that. It is overly alcoholic, but water helps to smooth out those rough edges, and the dram is packed with flavour. The finishing period in the ex-Caol Ila cask gives a different peat profile from what we’re used to with Highland Park, but it works relatively well. For us we’ll settle on 7.5/10, but this is very good quality whisky that Highland Park fans may enjoy more than us.
Brewery or Distillery:
Secret Island Distillery
Size:
700 mL
Alcohol Percent:
61.9
Type of Alcohol:
Scotch Whisky
Date Added:
2022-10-26 15:08:10
Date Added:
2022-10-26 15:08:10
