Highland Park 27 yo 1976 / 2003 ‘Sample 1327’ Signatory for Luca Gargano through Velier #1985 46%

Highland Park 27 yo 1976 / 2003 ‘Sample 1327’ Signatory for Luca Gargano #1985 46%

It takes a hard look to get past the confusing numbers. The 70s were a remarkable time at Highland Park. Pristine saltwater, sharp smoke, thin mentholated medicine, wet rooty topsoil, black and oily against hot white granite. Precise and grounded. Clean seaweed and white flowers. Mineral, citric yet deeply phenolic yet without that cheap burnt toast quality that often comes with peat nowadays. Candied orange peel, drops of bitters, driftwood, shriveled lemon rind. Not an ounce of fat, this one is lean and lithe, coiled up and ready to spring. A better sort of Highland Park. 91 pts for me but not everyone appreciates the raging spartan in this bottle.