.highland park - new make spirit - 69.7%

When we were at the Highland Park distillery, our host organised a sample of some of the new make spirit of the day. A little drop of spirit that did make it all the way through the safe, I guess.

69.7% abv, €not for sale
single malt, new make spirit

...not so safe for this sample

Nose: fresh, grainy, freshly cut grass, a hint of smoking embers, fruity, red berries, raspberries, a hint of metal, copper dust

Palate: firm (duh), sweet, spicy, cinnamon, fruity, red fruit, berries, freshly cut grass, creamy, wet green malt,a touch of glowing embers

Finish: long, grassy, creamy, fruity, red fruit, berries, raspberries, a hint of smoke.
Mark: +++++ 

Conclusion: Again, compared to the 50% version of February 2012, this is a maker, not a breaker. If managed in good casks, I am confident this is one of those spirits that can turn into a whisky that cannot fail, since the start is good.