I recently had the opportunity to try Highland Park’s New Make Spirit, and I must say, I was impressed. For those who aren’t familiar, New Make Spirit is essentially unaged whisky straight from the stills. It’s a unique and interesting way to taste the raw flavors of the distillery’s product before it’s aged in barrels.
Table of Contents
Highland Park New Make Spirit Overview
Highland Park’s New Make Spirit is a young, fresh, and unfiltered spirit that carries the distinctive flavors of newly malted barley infused with heady floral notes from their unique heathery peat. Here’s what I found out about this product:
Product History
Highland Park is a distillery located in the Orkney Islands of Scotland. They have been producing whisky since 1798, and their New Make Spirit is a nod to their founder, Magnus Eunson, who distilled whisky under the moonlight. The name “Tunglskin” is taken from the Old Norse words for moon and light, and it is a fitting name for a spirit that pays homage to the distillery’s history.
This spirit is a young, unaged whisky that is bottled at 50% ABV. It is made from malted barley that is infused with heathery peat, which gives it a distinct flavor profile. Highland Park’s New Make Spirit is unfiltered, which means that it retains all of the flavors and aromas of the malted barley and peat.
Price Range
Highland Park’s New Make Spirit is a limited edition product that is only available in 350ml bottles. The price of this spirit varies depending on where you buy it, but it typically falls within the $50–$100 range.
photo credit: www.highlandparkwhisky.com
Tasting Notes
Aroma
As I take a whiff of Highland Park New Make Spirit, I am greeted with a strong aroma of newly malted barley infused with heady floral notes from their unique heathery peat. The aroma is fresh and young, with a hint of sweetness that is not overpowering.
Flavor
Upon tasting the Highland Park New Make Spirit, I was immediately hit with a wealth of rich, deep, and sweet flavors. The taste is smooth, with a nice balance of dark chocolate, golden syrup, and treacle flavors. The fruitiness starts to unfold with nice, juicy raisins and papaya, making this spirit a delightful experience.
Finish
The finish of Highland Park New Make Spirit is long and smooth, with a pleasant warmth that lingers on the tongue. The flavors of the malted barley and heathery peat remain present throughout the finish, leaving a nice aftertaste.
Rating
The balance of flavors is excellent, and the aroma is pleasant and inviting. I give it a solid 8 out of 10 and highly recommend this spirit to anyone who wants to try something new and exciting.
Mixing and Pairing
photo credit: live.staticflickr.com
Best Mixers
Highland Park New Make Spirit is a versatile drink that can be enjoyed in a variety of ways. If you’re looking for a simple mixer, try adding a splash of soda water to your dram. This will help to open up the flavors and make the drink more refreshing.
Another great option is to mix it with ginger ale or ginger beer. The spicy notes of the ginger will complement the smoky and floral notes of the New Make spirit.
photo credit: live.staticflickr.com
Cocktail Suggestions
If you’re in the mood for a cocktail, there are plenty of options that will showcase the unique flavors of Highland Park New Make Spirit.
One classic cocktail that works well with New Make spirit is the Whiskey Sour. Simply mix the New Make spirit with lemon juice and simple syrup, and shake with ice. This will create a tangy and refreshing drink that highlights the floral and citrus notes of the spirit.
Another great option is the Old Fashioned. Mix the New Make spirit with a sugar cube, a few dashes of bitters, and a splash of water. Stir with ice and garnish with a twist of orange peel. This will create a rich and complex drink with a hint of sweetness and a spicy finish.
photo credit: bakesbybrownsugar.com
Food Pairings
Highland Park New Make Spirit pairs well with a variety of foods, thanks to its complex and versatile flavor profile.
If you’re looking for a savory pairing, try serving it alongside grilled meats or roasted vegetables. The smoky and floral notes of the spirit will complement the rich flavors of the food.
For a sweet pairing, try serving it with a dessert that has a hint of citrus or floral flavors. Lemon tart or lavender ice cream would be a great choice. The bright and tangy flavors of the dessert will balance out the rich and complex flavors of the New Make spirit.
Conclusion
After tasting Highland Park New Make Spirit, I must say that it is a unique and enjoyable drink. The floral notes from the heathery peat are quite distinct and add an interesting flavor to the drink. The spirit is young and fresh, and it carries the flavors of newly malted barley quite well.
I would recommend this drink to anyone looking for something different and refreshing. However, it may not be suitable for those who prefer mature spirits.
Related Posts
If you enjoyed my review of Highland Park New Make Spirit, you might also be interested in reading about some other bourbons and whiskeys that I’ve tried and reviewed. Here are a few related posts that I think you might enjoy:
- Joseph Magnus Bourbon Review: Your Quick Guide to Tasting Excellence: If you’re looking for a unique bourbon with a distinct flavor profile, Joseph Magnus Bourbon might be just what you need. This bourbon is finished in a variety of barrels, including sherry, cognac, and bourbon, resulting in a complex and delicious taste.
- Breckenridge Bourbon Review: A Tasteful Exploration for Whiskey Lovers: Breckenridge Bourbon is a high-rye bourbon with a mash bill that includes corn, rye, and barley. This bourbon is smooth and easy to drink, with a subtle sweetness and a spicy kick.
- L. Weller Antique 107 Bourbon Review: Tasting This Unique Gem: W.L. Weller Antique 107 is a unique bourbon that is aged for seven years and bottled at 107 proof. This bourbon has a rich and complex flavor profile, with notes of vanilla, caramel, and oak.
- Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 Review: A Tasting Adventure for Whiskey Lovers: Jim Beam Single Barrel 108 is a high-proof bourbon that is aged for six years and bottled at 108 proof. This bourbon has a bold and spicy flavor profile, with notes of cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla.
- Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon Review: Expert Insights and Tasting Notes: Eagle Rare 10 Year Bourbon is a classic bourbon that is aged for ten years and bottled at 90 proof. This bourbon has a smooth and mellow flavor profile, with notes of caramel, vanilla, and oak.
