This round of tastings includes Highland Park and the Speyside distillery of Tomintoul. There were a few surprising from Highland Park with the 12 year old, which is often referred to a the bench mark whisky, not quite living up to expectation. While its score of 80 is a good result we had anticipated higher. The 15 year old was very disappointing but the 30 year old and the 18 year old both proved to be outstanding expressions and were highly praised across the panel of judges.

Tomintoul is described on its packaging as The Gentle Dram, and our panel found it just so. Nice and easy although lacking! However it’s still a nice easy drinking whisky and excellent value.

Pick of the bunch – Highland Park 18 year old.