When I first dipped my toes into the world of whiskey 3.5 years ago, I was primarily a bourbon drinker. I loved the sweet, caramel notes and the smooth finish that came with each sip. But as time went on, I realized that there was a whole world of whiskey out there waiting to be explored. So I decided to branch out and try ryes, Irish whiskey, and even Scotch.
At first, I found myself struggling to pick out specific notes in each whiskey. I could tell whether I liked or disliked a particular bottle, but beyond that, my palate was unrefined. I knew that in order to truly appreciate the complexities of each whiskey, I needed to develop my palate.
I started by reading reviews and tasting notes from other whiskey enthusiasts, trying to match the flavors they described with what I was experiencing. Slowly but surely, I began to pick up on different aromas and tastes in each pour. It was like a whole new world had opened up to me, and I was eager to continue learning and growing.
One game-changing moment in my whiskey journey was when I invested in a whiskey aroma kit. This kit came with a variety of scents commonly found in whiskey, such as vanilla, oak, and dried fruits. By using the aroma kit to isolate and identify these scents in different whiskeys, I was able to enhance my tasting experience and pick out flavors that I had never noticed before.
Scotch has become a true testament to the evolution of my taste buds. It has been a journey of over three years since I first delved into the world of Scotch. Initially, I was completely unaware of the nuances within different regions of Scotch production and the diverse flavor profiles they offer. Peat was a foreign concept to me, and I had no idea that some Scotches embrace it while others do not. Consequently, my first encounter with a bottle of Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour was met with disappointment due to my unpreparedness for its peaty notes.
Following this underwhelming experience, I mistakenly believed that Scotch was not for me. However, through extensive research and engaging with fellow whiskey enthusiasts, I soon discovered a newfound appreciation for Highland and Speyside whiskies. Surprisingly, my palate has evolved over the past year, leading me to explore and ultimately adore various peated Scotches.
This weekend, I made the decision to revisit that initial bottle of Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour. It was time to give it a second chance and see how far my palate has truly come. Here are my notes:
As I take in the aroma, I am greeted by the sweet scents of honey, pear, and orange, intertwined with delicate hints of yeast rolls and a faint whiff of peat smoke.
Upon tasting, the flavors of sweet honey and zesty lemon dance on my palate, accompanied by warm baking spices and a subtle touch of peat smoke that lingers gently. As I savor the drink, notes of malt, oak, and a kick of black pepper gradually reveal themselves towards the finish.
The medium-length finish leaves a satisfying impression, with the fresh taste of yeast rolls seamlessly giving way to a lingering essence of oaky black pepper.
Overall, this dram is delightful! It's amazing how much a change in experience can alter one's perception. Revisiting this Highland Park 12 Year Viking Honour certainly paid off, and I'm thrilled with the outcome.
Now, 3.5 years into my whiskey journey, I can confidently say that my palate has evolved significantly. I am able to pick out subtle notes and flavors in each pour, and I have a newfound appreciation for the craftsmanship and artistry that goes into creating each bottle of whiskey. I am excited to continue exploring new whiskies, expanding my palate, and sharing my experiences with others in the whiskey community. Cheers to many more years of whiskey discovery and enjoyment!🥃
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