Highland Queen Blended Scotch

Highland Queen is a very basic blend, with a limited ex-bourbon barrel flavor palate. But surprisingly lacking the off-notes that mar most entry-level blends for me.

Tasting Notes:

Nose: Sweet, with honey and caramel initially. Standard apples and pears (apple juice), but not a lot of fruit otherwise. A touch of nutmeg. Very simple, but pretty decent for an entry-level blend, with a surprising lack of solvent notes. There is the sweetness of the sherry with notes of candied fruit and soft spices.

Palate: Apples remain the most prominent here, caramel-dipped. Honey, with a bit of vanilla. Something faintly herbaceous, but nothing specifically identifiable. Maybe a touch of anise. Light and watery mouthfeel, with no real burn. The tingly sweetness of the sherry continues, with hints of leather and spice.

Finish: Short. Quick and clean, just faint apple juice and honey. Disappears with no off notes, but a slight touch of bitterness does creep in.

This base blend gets a decent score from Jim Murray (though still below average), and a positive review (but a low score) from Jonny at Whisky Advocate.

40% ABV / 80 Proof

750 ML