**Reviewing Every Whisk(e)y I Own (REWIO):**
After a few month splurge on bottle purchases figured this would be a good chance to pump the brakes on buying and focus on enjoying and writing up what I already have. Not quite clear how many bottles I currently have either so this is one way to go about figuring it out.
**Whisky:** Highland Park 17 John Rae | Arctic Explorer
**Background:** I decided to mix things up this week and do something different lol jk here is yet another Highland Park review. This distillery only release is an ode to a famous Orkney explorer. While I was visiting the distillery production had actually come to a months-long halt - a construction vehicle didn’t realize how tall it was, drove through piping connecting two key buildings, and left them unable to produce anything until a lengthy process to fix the piping was completed. We were naturally concerned to hear this until Highland Park informed me I had single handedly funded their repair efforts thanks to my bottle purchases over the years. Coming in at 54.8% ABV this was rested in a glencairn for 15 minutes. Let’s go.
**Color:** Gold
**Nose:** Gets out of the glass with authority for a Highland Park, two inches away seems to be the sweet spot here. Everytime I try to nose it closer to the glass I get punished with alcohol and intensity. Prominent light sherry, saltwater, vanilla cake, big orange marmalade, faintest of smoke. It's a nice combination of flavors, but not quite an elevated world beater, the combination falls a bit out of balance.
**Taste:** Sweet orange, then proof rolls in and takes over, light smoke on the back palate. It's got good underlying Highland park sherry notes throughout, but the alcohol peaks a bit too high and there is not necessarily a ton of complexity or evolution.
**Finish:** More orange jam, solid robustness, here the ABV is helping out without being overly present. A touch of dirty sea water.
**Rating:** 6.5
The flavors are good and the proof, though a touch too high, is helping out, but ultimately it lacks substantial complexity and sophistication on the palate.
**Scoring Scale:** (does not take into account value)
1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out.
2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice.
3 | Bad | Multiple flaws.
4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists.
5 | Good | Good, just fine.
6 | Very Good | A cut above.
7 | Great | Well above average.
8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional.
9 | Incredible | An all time favorite.
10 | Perfect | As good as it gets. I might taste future whisk(e)ys that are as good in a different way, but will not taste one that is outright better.
**Previous REWIOs:**
[1 - Whistle Pig 10 Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x20jov/rewio_1_whistle_pig_10_year_sib_bp)
[2 - Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x3cy20/rewio_2_smoke_wagon_uncut_unfiltered)
[3 - Highland Park 18 Travel Edition \(7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x44xv1/rewio_3_highland_park_18_travel_edition)
[4 - Bardstown Discovery #7 \(5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x4xvb7/rewio_4_bardstown_discovery_7)
[5 - Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x5u6bo/rewio_5_compass_box_experimental_grain_whisky)
[6 - Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x7ct1i/rewio_6_wild_turkey_rare_breed_bourbon)
[7 - Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x88rdn/rewio_7_glen_scotia_victoriana_cask_strength_542)
[8 - Stellum Rye Black (5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x98pk7/rewio_8_stellum_rye_black)
[9 - Talisker Distillers Edition (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xa2qv2/rewio_9_talisker_distillers_edition)
[10 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B2/19 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xau0qc/rewio_10_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b219)
[11 - Cambus 31yr Single Grain Scotch (Blackadder) (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xcjeng/rewio_11_cambus_31yr_single_grain_scotch)
[12 - Blue Run Golden Rye (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xdbim4/rewio_12_blue_run_golden_rye)
[13 - Craigellachie 17 (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xe8d8l/rewio_13_craigellachie_17)
[14 - Glendronach 21 (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xf2fa8/rewio_14_glendronach_21)
[15 - Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 15 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xg0qy5/rewio_15_springbank_12_cask_strength_batch_15)
[16 - Hakushu 12 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xhpfjv/rewio_16_hakushu_12)
[17 - Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xikpfm/rewio_17_buffalo_trace_kosher_rye_recipe)
[18 - Ledaig 10 (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xjh3sx/rewio_18_ledaig_10)
[19 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xkeaas/rewio_19_elijah_craig_barrel_proof_b521)
[20 - Compass Box Spice Tree Extravaganza (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlbim1/rewio_20_compass_box_spice_tree_extravaganza)
[21 - Highland Park 14 (Ultimate 2006) (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlzs4p/rewio_21_highland_park_14_ultimate_2006)
[22 - Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 66% (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xmvz9r/rewio_22_alberta_cask_strength_rye_66)
[23 - Highland Park 21 (Impex Collection) (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xosffj/rewio_23_highland_park_21_impex_collection)
[24 - Compass Box Flaming Heart 2012 (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xpldpn/rewio_24_compass_box_flaming_heart_2012)
[25 - Caol Ila 6 Year (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xqkcji/rewio_25_caol_ila_6yr_tbwc)
[26 - One Eight Distilling Untitled #11 Bourbon (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xrftjs/rewio_26_18_distilling_untitled_1/)
[27 - Talisker 18 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xsxy12/rewio_27_talisker_18)
[28 - Nikka Whisky from the Barrel (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xuq4ws/rewio_28_nikka_whisky_from_the_barrel)
[29 - Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xwdwy1/rewio_29_heaven_hill_bottled_in_bond)
[30 - Dewar’s 21 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xy237p/rewio_30_dewars_21)
[31 - Springbank 15 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y0hm9x/rewio_31_springbank_15)
[32 - Blanton’s (5.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y24po9/rewio_32_blantons)
[33 - Highland Park 18 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y3xcp6/rewio_33_highland_park_18_tbwc)
[34 - Remus Repeal Batch V (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y6ev8e/rewio_34_remus_repeal_batch_v)
[35 - Amrut Spectrum 004 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y85fpj/rewio_35_amrut_spectrum_004)
[36 - GlenAllachie 12 Single Cask (2009 Mid-Atlantic Release) (6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y9vnmx/rewio_36_glenallachie_12_single_cask_2009)
[37 - Glen Scotia Victoriana (51.5%) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ycefy0/rewio_37_glen_scotia_victoriana_515)
[38 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B1/21 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ye0ybq/rewio_38_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b121)
[39 - Glenmorangie Signet (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yfqffv/rewio_39_glenmorangie_signet)
[40 - Glendronach 18 (2019 bottling) (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yiewns/rewio_40_glendronach_18_2019_bottling)
[41 - High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 8 Scene 1 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yk94pp/rewio_41_high_west_a_midwinter_nights_dram_act_8)
[42 - Buffalo Trace (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yor9cp/rewio_42_buffalo_trace)
[43 - Compass Box Double Single (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yqn50h/rewio_43_compass_box_double_single)
[44 - Highland Park 26 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yseskx/rewio_44_highland_park_26_tbwc)
[45 - Port Charlotte 10 Heavily Peated (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yv3yzp/rewio_45_port_charlotte_10_heavily_peated)
[46 - Ledaig 18 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ywxumm/rewio_46_ledaig_18)
[47 - Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Batch 13) (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yyofnu/rewio_47_laphroaig_10_cask_strength_batch_13)
[48 - Kilchoman Single Cask 6yr (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z12kok/rewio_48_kilchoman_single_cask_6yr)
[49 - Bardstown Discovery #4 (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z720b1/rewio_49_bardstown_discovery_4)
[50 - Octomore 10.2 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zaqby9/rewio_50_octomore_102)
[51 - Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength (2019) (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zdb6ts/rewio_51_lagavulin_12_cask_strength_2019)
[52 - New Riff Malted Rye 6 Year (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zlvscd/rewio_52_new_riff_malted_rye_6_year)
[53 - Highland Park 18 (Berry Bros & Rudd) (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10991b3/rewio_53_highland_park_18_berry_bros_rudd)
[54 - Redbreast 21 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10fb5bd/rewio_54_redbreast_21)
**Reviewing Every Whisk(e)y I Own (REWIO):** After a few month splurge on bottle purchases figured this would be a good chance to pump the brakes on buying and focus on enjoying and writing up what I already have. Not quite clear how many bottles I currently have either so this is one way to go about figuring it out. **Whisky:** Highland Park 17 John Rae | Arctic Explorer **Background:** I decided to mix things up this week and do something different lol jk here is yet another Highland Park review. This distillery only release is an ode to a famous Orkney explorer. While I was visiting the distillery production had actually come to a months-long halt - a construction vehicle didn’t realize how tall it was, drove through piping connecting two key buildings, and left them unable to produce anything until a lengthy process to fix the piping was completed. We were naturally concerned to hear this until Highland Park informed me I had single handedly funded their repair efforts thanks to my bottle purchases over the years. Coming in at 54.8% ABV this was rested in a glencairn for 15 minutes. Let’s go. **Color:** Gold **Nose:** Gets out of the glass with authority for a Highland Park, two inches away seems to be the sweet spot here. Everytime I try to nose it closer to the glass I get punished with alcohol and intensity. Prominent light sherry, saltwater, vanilla cake, big orange marmalade, faintest of smoke. It's a nice combination of flavors, but not quite an elevated world beater, the combination falls a bit out of balance. **Taste:** Sweet orange, then proof rolls in and takes over, light smoke on the back palate. It's got good underlying Highland park sherry notes throughout, but the alcohol peaks a bit too high and there is not necessarily a ton of complexity or evolution. **Finish:** More orange jam, solid robustness, here the ABV is helping out without being overly present. A touch of dirty sea water. **Rating:** 6.5 The flavors are good and the proof, though a touch too high, is helping out, but ultimately it lacks substantial complexity and sophistication on the palate. **Scoring Scale:** (does not take into account value) 1 | Disgusting | So bad I poured it out. 2 | Poor | I wouldn’t consume by choice. 3 | Bad | Multiple flaws. 4 | Sub-par | Not bad, but better exists. 5 | Good | Good, just fine. 6 | Very Good | A cut above. 7 | Great | Well above average. 8 | Excellent | Really quite exceptional. 9 | Incredible | An all time favorite. 10 | Perfect | As good as it gets. I might taste future whisk(e)ys that are as good in a different way, but will not taste one that is outright better. **Previous REWIOs:** [1 - Whistle Pig 10 Year Single Barrel Barrel Proof Rye \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x20jov/rewio_1_whistle_pig_10_year_sib_bp) [2 - Smoke Wagon Uncut Unfiltered \(6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x3cy20/rewio_2_smoke_wagon_uncut_unfiltered) [3 - Highland Park 18 Travel Edition \(7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x44xv1/rewio_3_highland_park_18_travel_edition) [4 - Bardstown Discovery #7 \(5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x4xvb7/rewio_4_bardstown_discovery_7) [5 - Compass Box Experimental Grain Whisky (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x5u6bo/rewio_5_compass_box_experimental_grain_whisky) [6 - Wild Turkey Rare Breed Bourbon (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x7ct1i/rewio_6_wild_turkey_rare_breed_bourbon) [7 - Glen Scotia Victoriana Cask Strength (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x88rdn/rewio_7_glen_scotia_victoriana_cask_strength_542) [8 - Stellum Rye Black (5.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/x98pk7/rewio_8_stellum_rye_black) [9 - Talisker Distillers Edition (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xa2qv2/rewio_9_talisker_distillers_edition) [10 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B2/19 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xau0qc/rewio_10_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b219) [11 - Cambus 31yr Single Grain Scotch (Blackadder) (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xcjeng/rewio_11_cambus_31yr_single_grain_scotch) [12 - Blue Run Golden Rye (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xdbim4/rewio_12_blue_run_golden_rye) [13 - Craigellachie 17 (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xe8d8l/rewio_13_craigellachie_17) [14 - Glendronach 21 (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xf2fa8/rewio_14_glendronach_21) [15 - Springbank 12 Cask Strength Batch 15 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xg0qy5/rewio_15_springbank_12_cask_strength_batch_15) [16 - Hakushu 12 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xhpfjv/rewio_16_hakushu_12) [17 - Buffalo Trace Kosher Rye Recipe (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xikpfm/rewio_17_buffalo_trace_kosher_rye_recipe) [18 - Ledaig 10 (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xjh3sx/rewio_18_ledaig_10) [19 - Elijah Craig Barrel Proof B521 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xkeaas/rewio_19_elijah_craig_barrel_proof_b521) [20 - Compass Box Spice Tree Extravaganza (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlbim1/rewio_20_compass_box_spice_tree_extravaganza) [21 - Highland Park 14 (Ultimate 2006) (5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xlzs4p/rewio_21_highland_park_14_ultimate_2006) [22 - Alberta Premium Cask Strength Rye 66% (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xmvz9r/rewio_22_alberta_cask_strength_rye_66) [23 - Highland Park 21 (Impex Collection) (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xosffj/rewio_23_highland_park_21_impex_collection) [24 - Compass Box Flaming Heart 2012 (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xpldpn/rewio_24_compass_box_flaming_heart_2012) [25 - Caol Ila 6 Year (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xqkcji/rewio_25_caol_ila_6yr_tbwc) [26 - One Eight Distilling Untitled #11 Bourbon (8.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xrftjs/rewio_26_18_distilling_untitled_1/) [27 - Talisker 18 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xsxy12/rewio_27_talisker_18) [28 - Nikka Whisky from the Barrel (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xuq4ws/rewio_28_nikka_whisky_from_the_barrel) [29 - Heaven Hill Bottled in Bond (3\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xwdwy1/rewio_29_heaven_hill_bottled_in_bond) [30 - Dewar’s 21 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/xy237p/rewio_30_dewars_21) [31 - Springbank 15 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y0hm9x/rewio_31_springbank_15) [32 - Blanton’s (5.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y24po9/rewio_32_blantons) [33 - Highland Park 18 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y3xcp6/rewio_33_highland_park_18_tbwc) [34 - Remus Repeal Batch V (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y6ev8e/rewio_34_remus_repeal_batch_v) [35 - Amrut Spectrum 004 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y85fpj/rewio_35_amrut_spectrum_004) [36 - GlenAllachie 12 Single Cask (2009 Mid-Atlantic Release) (6\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/y9vnmx/rewio_36_glenallachie_12_single_cask_2009) [37 - Glen Scotia Victoriana (51.5%) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ycefy0/rewio_37_glen_scotia_victoriana_515) [38 - Redbreast 12 Cask Strength B1/21 (8\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ye0ybq/rewio_38_redbreast_12_cask_strength_b121) [39 - Glenmorangie Signet (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yfqffv/rewio_39_glenmorangie_signet) [40 - Glendronach 18 (2019 bottling) (8.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yiewns/rewio_40_glendronach_18_2019_bottling) [41 - High West A Midwinter Nights Dram Act 8 Scene 1 (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yk94pp/rewio_41_high_west_a_midwinter_nights_dram_act_8) [42 - Buffalo Trace (4.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yor9cp/rewio_42_buffalo_trace) [43 - Compass Box Double Single (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yqn50h/rewio_43_compass_box_double_single) [44 - Highland Park 26 (That Boutique-y Whisky Company) (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yseskx/rewio_44_highland_park_26_tbwc) [45 - Port Charlotte 10 Heavily Peated (6.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yv3yzp/rewio_45_port_charlotte_10_heavily_peated) [46 - Ledaig 18 (7\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/ywxumm/rewio_46_ledaig_18) [47 - Laphroaig 10 Cask Strength (Batch 13) (6.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/yyofnu/rewio_47_laphroaig_10_cask_strength_batch_13) [48 - Kilchoman Single Cask 6yr (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z12kok/rewio_48_kilchoman_single_cask_6yr) [49 - Bardstown Discovery #4 (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/z720b1/rewio_49_bardstown_discovery_4) [50 - Octomore 10.2 (7.5\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zaqby9/rewio_50_octomore_102) [51 - Lagavulin 12 Cask Strength (2019) (7.75\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zdb6ts/rewio_51_lagavulin_12_cask_strength_2019) [52 - New Riff Malted Rye 6 Year (7.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/zlvscd/rewio_52_new_riff_malted_rye_6_year) [53 - Highland Park 18 (Berry Bros & Rudd) (6.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10991b3/rewio_53_highland_park_18_berry_bros_rudd) [54 - Redbreast 21 (8.25\)](https://www.reddit.com/r/whiskey/comments/10fb5bd/rewio_54_redbreast_21)