This version of Highland Park 18 is officially available only at the distillery in Orkney, though it can be found at some whisky specialist shops. 606 bottles of this edition were released, and the best way to describe it is as Highland Park 18 on steroids. The nose has notes of dried fruits, a subtle smokiness, candied orange peel, toffee, and a hint of crystallized ginger. The taste starts off dry and mouth-puckering, followed by a delayed spicy explosion of ginger, white pepper, and clove notes. The spices fade to reveal dried fruits and a hint of grilled pineapple. The finish is dry, long, smooth, and amazing with a touch of oak tannins. This one doesn’t need water, but adding a few drops opens up dark chocolate and fudge notes on the palate and makes the finish last even longer. Wow! (May, 2017)