UOMO AUGUST ISSUE Vol 1 2014 | Page 6

DRINKS HIGHLAND PARK 18 The Real Man’s Scotch No other spirit has been associated with manhood like Scotch whisky. Whether it’s the hooking punch in the mouth or just the raw and earthy process by which it is brought forth from barley and water, Scotch has held a prominent place in the lives of men from kings to authors to titans of industry. What separates scotch from its alcoholic counterparts is not just its unique background (to be labeled Scotch, a whisky must be distilled and initially matured in Scotland), but the commonalities shared by the men who partake in its liquid mysteries. The man who drinks Scotch is one who lives life to the hilt, savoring new challenges and discoveries on a daily basis. He doesn’t settle and he doesn’t drink something just because it’s there. Few men drink Scotch to get drunk. First off, it’s too expensive, the cheapest bottles of single malt costing around $40. But secondly, and much more importantly, each bottle of scotch contains so much history, tradition, and attention to detail that the men who drink it are not just downing a beverage, but participating in a celebration of artisanship and the deep pleasures of life. Highland Park 18 Scotch has been aged for 18 years, which is slightly longer than the average for Scotch whiskies. This refers to the age of the youngest component of the whiskey, so there may be a part of the blend that is much older. First released in 1997, Highland Park immediately found flavor with whisky writers and enthusiasts all over the world. It is a perfectly balanced single malt with a toffee sweetness and a mouth watering smokey finish."