A Promise

Most of the people come and goes in my life, some stayed longer and some passed quickly. Merely a few of them settled and became friends of the lifetime. Tony oh Tony, since when was our last drink together... let me dig it from my memory... hmmmm~ April 2006? That was a great chat with you last night, you have moved on and gained maturity from age, I am happy for you. I was so happy last night that I finished almost half a bottle of whisky, which I have only realised after I poured the last drop of it. Man that feels good!!!

Some whiskies came and stayed in my portfolio and some goes to seek for their lovers. As I have promised to you my friend, here is the top 10 I have drawn from my list and tailored made for you. I have included whiskies from the five main regions of Scotland, Japan, USA and Blended; so when you finished the list you will have an over view of "the world of whisky". It's finely selected for you, I hope you would love it.

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- Blended Whisky -
1. Dewars 18 year old Founder's Reserve

- Scotish Whisky -
Region 1 - Speyside
2. Glenlivet 18 year old
3. Macallan 18 year old
Region 2 - Highland
4. Clynelish 14 year
Region 3 - Lowland
5. Glenkinchie 10 year
Region 4 - Islands
6. Highland Park 18 year old
Region 5 - Islay
7. Ardbeg Uigeadail
8. Lagavulin 16 year old

- Japanese Whisky -
9. Suntory Hibiki 21 year old

- American Whisky -
10. Brooker's
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Rest is for a longer journey?

It's undeniable that the curiosity to seek for the true of myth dwells in our human nature. That's why the legendary stories from the Middle Ages or even the Antiquity period are so obsessive. That is also why the StarWars trilogy one to three and Batman Begins were such a big hit, because we want to know what "had" happened. ~Sigh~ I would also like to know why have I lost my whisky passion and am now still trying to pick it up again.

I guess it's hard to be continuously self-motivated even with things you love. Sometime, sparks of passion can only be splashed from the collision between people. Or maybe I am in the process of "rest is for a longer journey"? Should I slow myself down a little, take a deep breath and then keep walking? (you know what, "keep walking" is actually the slogan of Johnnie Walker)

Though my incentive is to share my whisky life regardless of feedbacks; still, when I heard a few friends and family members of mine telling me that they actually enjoy what I put up there, it's a great pleasure (you know who you are~ salute! Highland Park 16 yo to you all)

Highland Park - Legacy of the Orcadian

Lifting the cork of Highland Park 16 year old, I have again, watch the water of life streaming out of the bottle. As I was taking the first sip, the golden liquid embraced my two sensations in a glimpse. I closed my eyes and the mind was already on its way to this northernmost distillery of Scotland. Established in 1798, Highland Park is located at the Orkney Island and is also one of the oldest distilleries today. With the pride of their Orcadian ancestry, the Orcadian legacy and traditions have rooted deeply into their drams. It's a pity that I don't have the 12 yo with me at the moment, well, but I have the big brother of the 12 yo - the 16 yo and 18 yo. Let's make it even more interesting tonight; I'll have the two tasted side by side. Though I believe that each dram should be appreciated as it is, but every so often it's more interesting to have a little competition.

The 16 yo was first released in 2005 and is exclusive for travel retail and duty free shops. The overall sensation to me is, sweet and easy to drink, with a lot of island characteristics such as saltiness. The 18 yo made its debut in 1997 and have been crowned the best whisky in the world. I respect all the whisky masters and their proficiency, however, I believe that the best whisky in the world is the best whisky to you!

Highland Park 16 year old (40%, 1L)
Colour: light golden
Aromas: malty, biscuit, salty, peat?
Palate: Smoky, bitter (trace)- sweet, dry on tongue, salty at end
Finish: the dryness on tongue remains (driness from tannin?), smoky

Highland Park 18 year old (43%, 70cl)
Colour: golden
Aromas: heavy honey heather, smoky, salty
Palate: honey sweet, trace of saltiness, very nicely balanced and firm in structure
Finish: dry, salty, a little spicy, warm


I can only fly my mind to the Orkney Island but not my flesh. To appreciate the distillery in a greater extend I firmly believe that it is necessary to have the mind, body and soul in one, on the island. The Ring of Brodgar have been standing there since the Neolithic age, more than four thousand years ago; imagine yourself touching the henge and feel that four hundred decades of human history right in the centre of your hand, the impact from such sensation is probably that path I have been seeking, to the deeper understanding of the Orcadian whisky.