Highland Park 18yo 43% ~circa late 90s

The 18 before the glass embossed bottles of the 2000s, which to me are far more aesthetic than the recent melted bottom. Why are things getting uglier? Looking at Glenturret especially. A large sherry component is notable, always been the case with the 18s but perhaps less of late. Here more oak and colouring than real richness, though I suppose prune juice, marmalade and thin ash are apparent. Wood and phenols, salt and sweet peat. Honeyed, wispy smoke from a thin but aromatic peat. Rather modern as is. Sweet jam on moist rye. A no brainer pour for the rocks glass. 87 pts