hs305 scored this whisky 88 points 
[January, 2019] When this Valhalla series was released by Highland Park I refused to buy any bottle because I thought these were completely over-priced for just 15-16 years old stuff and I guessed the quality would not match such a high price (of around 150 Eurobucks)...
...and my guess was justified, This is an average-quality Highland Park (by the standards of 2012) with some sherry notes that should justify the price premium from a marketing perspective - but it does not from my perspective as a drinker! To be honest: I liked the standard 18-years old HP (bottled around 2012) better and you got two bottles of that for less money than one Thor demanded...
...and my guess was justified, This is an average-quality Highland Park (by the standards of 2012) with some sherry notes that should justify the price premium from a marketing perspective - but it does not from my perspective as a drinker! To be honest: I liked the standard 18-years old HP (bottled around 2012) better and you got two bottles of that for less money than one Thor demanded...
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The colour is russetmuscat and the nose is that of an average mid-aged Highland Park with some sherry casks added to the batch. It is fine and delicate and both without highlights and flaws. What else to say? There is not a single whiff of sulphur in this dram - back in 2012 no first tier distillery dared to release sulphur-spoiled casks in special editions (but this changed completely since then, greed kills modesty - finally)...
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The taste starts unimpressive compared to the standard 18-years old HP of that time but it adds some shy sherry flavours (chocolate) and a touch of liquorice after some chewing. Later some spices join in but I miss the lush fruits and honeys HP is famous for, usually. Nevertheless, a delicate taste and very quaffable - but again: Does this justify such an extraordinary high price for a mere 16-years old? Everyone should decide by him-/herself - I did...
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The dram arrives warming but with almost no coating effect on the palate which provides a rather thin mouthfeel. The finish is of medium length and shows even more of the liquorice with some subtle chocolatey notes. No distracting bitter or astringent moments both during the mouthfeel and finish. Some water releases more earthy aromas in the nose and turns the mouthfeel and finish a little more creamy - I like this dram best a little reduced to about 46% abv.
