95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Golden amber color. Aromas and flavors of cinnamon candies, demerara sugar syrup, and anise with a round, fat body and a peppery, nuanced, long finish displaying shades of banana bread and fennel seed, peach cobbler, and vanilla butter cream. Spicy and complex and this Bourbon benefits from a few drops of water; a natural base for a Sazerac.

95 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Dark amber color. Aromas and flavors of dark chocolate toffee, root beer float, mocha gelato, and banana bread with a satiny, bright, medium-to-full body and a smooth, appealing, medium-long finish evoking notes of spicy tropical fruit and cherry compote, baking spices, pepper, and maple. A rich and satisfying aged Rum that we be equally versatile neat, in cocktails or with cigars.

94 Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute)

Deep amber copper color. Aromas of cashew brittle, buttercream, leather and salty spiced nuts with a satiny, fruity medium-to-full body and a long, complex and vibrant finish with layers of dried fruits, spice, mineral, and cream vanilla. A rich and delicious bourbon that will be fantastic neat, in Manhattans, or with desserts. International Review of Spirits Award: Gold Medal

93 Wine Enthusiast

Pour this single-barrel Bourbon some time in advance to allow it to open up and reveal crème caramel aromatics while you eye the rich topaz color in the glass. Sweet and smooth, this whiskey finishes with dry espresso, dark chocolate and black-tea notes. Mix into classic cocktails. — K.N. (7/1/2013)

90 Wine Enthusiast

Distinctly fruity and floral on the palate, this has notes of rosewater and raspberry, braced by pepper and ginger flecks. This smooth and well-balanced gin is a good choice for making a berry-forward cocktail like the classic bramble.

96-100 Wine Enthusiast

The aromatic profile is assertive yet welcoming, sweetish yet cereal dry, and oaky yet floral and a touch briny; the quintessential 12-year-old malt bouquet. In the mouth, the integrated flavors come in waves of toasted walnut, dark caramel, toasted marshmallow and barely perceptible seaweed

90 Malt Advocate

Highland Park 12 Year Old boasts individuality and complexity, thanks in part to the use of Orcadian peat in the distillery floor maltings and the employment of ex-sherry casks for maturation. The nose is fragrant and floral, with hints of heather and some spice. Smooth and honeyed on the palate, with citrus fruits, malt, and distinctive tones of wood smoke in the warm, lengthy, slightly peaty finish.

91 The Whisky Advocate

Green apple candy, honeydew, cantaloupe, lemon jelly candies, and cooked blueberries alongside pine needles on the nose. The palate is similarly soft, with more lemon and pine flavors, rye spice, and with water, bitter chocolate and dark berries. The texture is creamy and oily, like freshly made hummus. A rich finish provides good length, plus notes of blueberry compote and chocolate cake. The finish presents itself nimbly on this bright and easy sipper.

4 The Whiskey Wash

This is an easy sipper, it’s sweet and flavorful, and comes through with tropical cocktail vibes before adding any mixers. While the whiskey is on the expensive side, it is one that could impress at a party.

4 The Whiskey Wash

For a 20-year-old rye in American oak, the wood does not overpower the rest of the palate. While there are dessert-like flavors, the rye is not overly sweet or syrupy. The rye spice is not too hot and is balanced with the ABV so it does not burn. I'm really impressed and find few faults with this whiskey, but I cannot say I have ever not enjoyed a dram of Lock, Stock, & Barrel. As for the price, you are paying for the age statement, but it is a fair deal, so buy a bottle if you find it.

4 The Whiskey Wash

Although it was intended for use in cocktails, this spirit stands well enough on its own as a sipping whisky, both neat and on the rocks. It’s an approachable whisky that offers a slightly creamy texture with lush freshness in its nicely-balanced, broad flavor profile. Before trying it in a cocktail, be sure to try a dram on its own to gain a better idea of the delicious array of flavors within.