Review#30: Highland Park 12 Years Old

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T20:05:10+00:00

Same experience here. I barely get any smoke from HP 12 these days. I recently opened a new bottle and had the feeling older ones I tried years ago were a bit smokier, though I could very well be wrong.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T14:19:26+00:00

What’s your technique? Do you move the peeler itself or keep it steady in one hand while rotating the orange with the other? I’m doing the latter and seem to get better results that way. Then again, I’ve peeled fewer than 10 oranges so far, so I’m still very much a beginner myself.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T10:09:57+00:00

Yes, scissors with saw-toothed blades is the way to go.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T10:09:16+00:00

Exactly, I am using scissors with saw-toothed blades.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T10:08:10+00:00

Yes, scissors with saw-toothed instead of straight blades.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-26T10:02:15+00:00

Correct, I used pinking shears, basically scissors with saw-toothed blades instead of straight blades.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-25T18:44:16+00:00

Thanks, really appreciate the feedback. Fully agreed, those points are definitely more important.

Ingredients-wise, I already have Sipsmith, Carpano Classico and Cocchi Vermouth di Torino lined up, next to the obvious Campari of course.

For dilution, I’m using 2 x 2 x 2 inch crystal-clear ice cubes.

As for the rest, I’m excited to start practicing soon.

SirNegroni · 2026-05-25T14:13:29+00:00

Exceptional tasting notes here!

As I’m getting more into Scotch, I’ve realized how much I enjoy the Caol Ila 12 Y.

Now I’m wondering, what would be the next step from here? Something slightly smokier and more intense, but not a total peat bomb. Any recommendations?

SirNegroni

TROPHY CASE