Highland Park 25 Year Old 2019 Release Single Malt Whisky

Highland Park has been distilled since 1798, on the same site where their founder, Magnus Eunson, set up his original illicit still at High Park. Ten miles from the northernmost reaches of the Scottish Mainland lie the 70 or so islands that make up Orkney, only 20 of which are inhabited. The beautiful, yet isolated cluster of islands, is pounded relentlessly by winds that frequently reach speeds of over 100mph in the winter. No tree can survive such an onslaught, which means that their moorland peat is woodless but rich in fragrant heather, which give rise to the unique aromatic smokiness of their whisky. For over 220 years, they’ve smoked their barley over 4,000-year-old peat, hand-cut from Hobbister Moor, just 7 miles from the distillery.

Highland Park 25 Year Old Spring 2019 Release has been created from fewer than 20 sherry seasoned European oak casks, first-fill ex-bourbon casks and refill casks, hand-selected by their Master Whisky Maker, Gordon Motion, from a small treasure of suitable casks. Over time, each cask has developed its own distinctive character, and the culmination of this marriage is a brilliant flavour profile of rich vanilla and honey fudge against a backdrop of smouldering Orkney peat and salty sea spray.

    Nose:   Warm vanilla, heather honey and citrus peels, then sweet barley, dried herbs and papaya.

    Taste:    Soft dried fruits, buttery fudge and gingerbread with a very light touch of BBQ char in support.

    Finish:    Heathery peat smoke and a touch of sea spray.