Island single malts are the single malt Scotch whiskies produced on the islands around the perimeter of the Scottish mainland. The islands (excluding Islay) are not recognised in the Scotch Whisky Regulations as a distinct whisky producing region, but are considered to be part of the Highland region. Islay is itself recognised as a distinct whisky producing region (see Islay whisky).
The whiskies produced on the Islands are extremely varied and have few similarities, though can often be distinguished from other whisky regions by generally having a smokier flavour with peaty undertones.
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One of 300 bottles, presented in a tear-drop crystal decanter suspended on an elaborate silver spiral.
Released in 2016, King Christian 1 is a rare limited edition within The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyas Viking history, and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky flavour, which is immense.
Released in 2016 as part of The Warriors series, this is named after King Christian I of Denmark who re-established the Kalmar union.
Christian I was King of Norway, Denmark, Sweden (1448-1481)
This Highland Park bottling celebrates King Christian I of Denmark and his important role in the Orkney Islands becoming part of Scotland in 1468. He was a clever and cosmopolitan sovereign who managed to unite Denmark, Norway and Sweden, a region that at the time, included the Orkney Islands where our world renowned distillery has been based since 1798.
One of the rarest bottles of the Highland Park range in modern times, only 300 bottles of the King Christian Volume 1 have been released for the travel retail market. It was released in Feb of 2016 as part of the Warrior series.
This expression has been matured in both refill butts and hogsheads of “exceptional age”.
Matured in a combination of refill butts and hogsheads of exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity. The flavours of honeycomb, sun-drenched tropical fruit, and heady spices all interplay with swirls of aromatic peat smoke.
Only 300 bottles were produced, and, inspired by Nordic glassware, this rarity is presented in a crystal teardrop-shaped decanter, cradled in an exquisite silver spiral, and corked with an elegant silver stopper that carries the marquetry of the Viking warrior. The bottle is packed in a polished black lacquer box and comes with a book that both tells the story of King Christian’s harmonious reign and of Highland Park’s Viking roots.
Bottle No.2 out of 300
Matured in a combination of Refill Butts and Hogsheads of exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity.
Brand Highland Park No.2 of 300 bottles, presented in a tear-drop crystal decanter suspended on an elaborate silver spiral.
Cask type Matured in a combination of Refill Butts and Hogsheads of A exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity.
Size 70cl ABV Strength 46.8%
Released in 2016, King Christian 1 is a rare limited edition within The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyâs Viking history, and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
Christian I was King of Norway, Denmark, Sweden (1448-1481)
This Highland Park bottling celebrates King Christian I of Denmark and his important role in the Orkney Islands becoming part of Scotland in 1468. He was a clever and cosmopolitan sovereign who managed to unite Denmark, Norway and Sweden, a region that at the time, included the Orkney Islands where our world renowned distillery has been based since 1798.
One of the rarest bottles of the Highland Park range in modern times, only 300 bottles of the King Christian Volume 1 have been released for the travel retail market. It was released in Feb of 2016 as part of the Warrior series.
Matured in a combination of Refill Butts and Hogsheads of exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity.
This expression has been matured in both refill butts and hogsheads of “exceptional age”.
Highland Park Thorfinn: 70cl 45.1% ABV
Released in 2013, Thorfinn is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
Thorfinn is the pinnacle of this selection. Thorfinn, aka Thorfinn the Mighty (b. 1009-d.1065) is still highly revered to this day in Orkney. He took over the earl-ship from his brother Einar after he was killed by Thorfinn’s foster-father. He wore a gilded gold helmet and this symbol is prominently placed on this bottling.
Thorfinn was a man of much power and influence, who at one stage controlled the whole of the Orkney Islands. The Orkneyinga Saga described him as a great chief, the tallest and strongest of men whose remains are buried in St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney.
Colour: A fairly full deep reddy copper with lighter gold tones running through.
Nose: A fuller dunnage / old oak cask nose going on here, with just a touch of lactic acid which tales off thankfully after a few moments leaving eucalyptus and cedar wood notes along with sweet autumn berries and gentle sherry christmasness and spice.
Palate: Pretty thick mouthfeel here, at first you think it’s smooth, but then spices kick in reminding you of Thorfinn’s power! It’s sweet, with wispy heathery sweetness amongst the gentle peat smoke. There’s American Oak sherry casks giving a menthol hit that turns up stronger in the finish.
Finish: A fresh slightly minty menthol kick, yet fruity and sweet. It’s fairly old and complex and stays around your palate for ages. Yummy.
Thoughts: A slightly off-putting nose for me at first but that clears given time to breath (you should give old whisky the time it deserves). Would I pay €1000 for a bottle? Nope… This needs to have its age stated at the very least in my mind when you’re paying that much. A pleasure to try nonetheless.
Highland Park Ragnvald: 70cl, 44.6% ABV
Released in 2013, Ragnvald is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
Arguably the most famous of the viking pioneers to sail uncharted waters, Ragnvald was more at home on sea than on land, undertaking numerous brave expeditions as far as the Middle East and even Asia. Ragnvald assisted King Harald and was given the title of Earl. He was a noted sailor and warrior and the black dragon or drekar is a symbol from the longships that he sailed.
Ragnvald was most at home aboard his longship undertaking his many great expeditions throughout the Middle East & Asia.
Colour: Full golden with rusty tints.
Nose: Could be described as “old school”, it’s full of old dunnage cask wood nose. Leather, casks, old stuff! Highland heather that’s wilting because it’s over hot smoke from a peat fire near the end of its burn. Coming out are old restrained sherry notes, and lashings of vanilla fudge from great first fill bourbon casks. Really a nose you keep sniffing at and enjoying.
Palate: Thicker and old tasting on the palate, spicy and lively however. Green and red apples dipped in toffee custard.
Finish: Complex and lasting, sweet and fruity with vanilla cream running through and a blast of smoke at the end. Balanced so that no sour cask notes are to be found, ideal.
Thoughts: Corker of a whisky, just the old style I love, but that my wallet doesn’t. For that sort of price you’d hope for an age statement. Saying that, damn, it’s a fine old dram to sit with for a lovely long evening while it’s cold and wet out.
Highland Park Sigurd: 70cl, 43% ABV
Released in 2013, Sigurd is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
The single malt is named after one of the most feared Viking earls in the Orkneyinga Saga. The symbol is a sword of Sigurd which he inherited from his dead father. The Sigurd whisky comes in a beautiful wooden box and as soon as the whisky is in your glass, you imagine yourself in the middle of this saga!
The last three & most recent offerings in the ‘Warrior’ series use an increased quantity of European oak sherry seasoned casks. This allows Sigurd, Ragnvald & Thorfinn to deliver more complex, richer and sweeter flavours.
Sigurd is considered amongst the strongest & most courageous warriors and ultimately one of the most feared Viking Earls.
Colour: Full gold with slightly rusty copper hues.
Nose: Give it some time and gentle soft autumn fruits will greet you, a little like a harvest festival pudding with a sheath of corn next to it for decoration.
Palate: A fuller, more oily mouthfeel greets you introducing smooth and creamy fruits as if they’ve been stewed and covered in vanilla custard, with nutmeg over the top to spice it up a touch. Inviting with a hint of smoke.
Finish: Smooth and oily, but something in there keeping you refreshed. Sweet and decadent, yet balanced and not deeply into the winter fruits.
Thoughts: A much more soothing and fine dram here, starting to be reflected in the price. It’s got more going on, but feels more relaxed and competent.Harald
Highland Park Harald: 70cl, 40% ABV
Released in 2013, Harald is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
This bottling is named for King Harald Fairhair, King of Norway (b. 860-d. 940). His army, known as the “bersekers” were known to be fierce in bottle and often used their shields for both protection and as weapons.
Produced using both American & European oak casks. 50-50 first fill and refill, almost 50-50 Euro and American oak sherries.
Celebrated through this release, King Harald was famed for his army, which was revered across the world at that time.
Colour: Full gold
Nose: Give it some time to open up and you’re rewarded with sherry fruits, raisins and sultanas all sitting in their own smoky pit. A little costal nature has crept in from somewhere. Spices and ginger are all there supporting it nicely.
Palate: Ever so slightly thin on the palate considering what the nose promises, but it’s smooth and sweet with gently spiced baked apples, it’s very pleasant indeed.
Finish: Slightly tingly on the way down and warming on the chest, nice and interesting finish here of a reasonable length.
Thoughts: A more full time autumnal dram that’s still light enough as an early evening drop of drammage.
Highland Park Einar: 1L, 40% ABV
Released in 2013, Einar is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyâs Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
Einar Sigurdsson was the joint Earl of Orkney from 1014-1020 along with two of his brothers, which he inherited after his father, Sigurd, died in 1014 at the mighty Battle of Clontarf. His own death came as his youngest brother, Thorfinn was coming of age to claim his share of the earlship. Einar’s greed and overbearing ways led to his being killed at the hands of Thorfinn’s foster-father. Thorfinn the Mighty, went on to become one of the most powerful of all the earls in Orkney.
Einar was crafted as a tribute to one of the most feared and ruthless Vikings of his time. Einar was a hard and successful Viking, often venturing on treacherous long voyages.
Produced using both American & European oak casks.
Nose: For me a little more closed at first, but soon opens out revealing sweet, darker autumn fruits amongst smoky whiffs.
Palate: Smooth going spiced fairly quickly then settling back down to dark brown sugar and winter Christmas cake fruits. Quite autumnal. Just a tickle of smoke from the peat, but fairly restrained. Light enough mouthfeel (can only assume it’s chill-filtered), something also slightly spirity there too.
Finish: Sweet, warming, fruity and medium in length.
Thoughts: Not a surprise in that this is defo a step up from Svein, it’s gone from a summery dram into something much more suited for a slightly chilly autumn day, good stuff, and still fairly reasonably priced.
Highland Park Svein: 1L, 40% ABV
Released in 2013, Svein is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyâs Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense.
Svein is named after a Viking warrior who considered Orkney his home. When he wasn’t feasting and drinking in the winter months he would plant the fields and reap them himself when it was time to harvest. In his spare time, he would go back to his plundering and murdering ways in the Hebrides and in Ireland.
There’s lots of American Oak Sherry casks, a decent percentage are first fill (30%).
Colour: Light gold
Nose: Barley malt coming through easily, I guess this is a little younger. Sweet and gentle hints of smoke. Green toffee apples and a touch of citrus (orange peel).
Palate: Instant sweet hit of smooth barley and vanilla sugars with slight spices kicking in after a moment along with a slight smokiness. Oak hinting strongly right in the background, enough to peak your interest. Fairly light mouthfeel, balanced, summery and easy going.
Finish: Spiced warmth hits your chest and dies away reasonably fast with dying embers lasting much longer.
Thoughts: A rather nice, inexpensive session dram.
Highland Park Ingvar: 70cl, 60.5% ABV
Released in 2013, Ingvar is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free market in Taiwan, to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyâs Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whiskyâs flavour, which is immense. This is a Cask Strength Special Edition.
This cask strength special edition is part of The warrior Series bottled exclusively for the Taiwanese duty free market – 70cl at 60.5% strength.
Highland Park Ingvar is a special edition of Highland Park single malt, released for the duty-free market in Taiwan. The whisky matured in American and European sherry oak casks and is bottled at a cask strength of 60.5%. This edition of the Warrior Series is inspired by Ingvar Ragnarsson, a fierce warrior king who conquered Dublin, York and the Kingdom of East Anglia with the Great Heathen Army. Highland Park Ingvar has tingling aromas of fresh pineapple, dried orange peel and golden syrup on the nose, wrapped in exotic spices and warmed by wood smoke. The palate is initially peppery and smoky. Soft hints of vanilla and fresh citrus zest then emerge, leading into a long finish with vanilla sweetness and lingering smokiness.
One of 300 bottles, presented in a tear-drop crystal decanter suspended on an elaborate silver spiral.
Released in 2016, King Christian 1 is a rare limited edition within The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkneyas Viking history, and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky flavour, which is immense.
Released in 2016 as part of The Warriors series, this is named after King Christian I of Denmark who re-established the Kalmar union.
Christian I was King of Norway, Denmark, Sweden (1448-1481)
This Highland Park bottling celebrates King Christian I of Denmark and his important role in the Orkney Islands becoming part of Scotland in 1468. He was a clever and cosmopolitan sovereign who managed to unite Denmark, Norway and Sweden, a region that at the time, included the Orkney Islands where our world renowned distillery has been based since 1798.
One of the rarest bottles of the Highland Park range in modern times, only 300 bottles of the King Christian Volume 1 have been released for the travel retail market. It was released in Feb of 2016 as part of the Warrior series.
This expression has been matured in both refill butts and hogsheads of “exceptional age”.
Matured in a combination of refill butts and hogsheads of exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity. The flavours of honeycomb, sun-drenched tropical fruit, and heady spices all interplay with swirls of aromatic peat smoke.
Only 300 bottles were produced, and, inspired by Nordic glassware, this rarity is presented in a crystal teardrop-shaped decanter, cradled in an exquisite silver spiral, and corked with an elegant silver stopper that carries the marquetry of the Viking warrior. The bottle is packed in a polished black lacquer box and comes with a book that both tells the story of King Christian’s harmonious reign and of Highland Park’s Viking roots.
Bottle Number No.8 / 300
Matured in a combination of Refill Butts and Hogsheads of exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity.
Brand Highland Park No.2 of 300 bottles, presented in a tear-drop crystal decanter suspended on an elaborate silver spiral.
Cask type Matured in a combination of Refill Butts and Hogsheads of A exceptional age and character, this whisky, like its namesake king, is the embodiment of unity.
Size 70cl ABV Strength 46.8%
The 2015 release of Talisker’s consistently excellent 30 Year Old. This time 3,912 bottles have been produced at the distillery’s traditional strength of 45.8% this one is No.911. Elegant and complex, this has the classic Talisker hallmarks of pepper and smoke, but in a softer and subtler way. Superb.
Distillery Talisker
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottled 2015
Stated Age 30 years old
Number of bottles 3912
Strength 45.8 % Vol.
Released in 2013, Thorfinn is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky’s flavour, which is immense.
Thorfinn is the pinnacle of this selection. Thorfinn, aka Thorfinn the Mighty (b. 1009-d.1065) is still highly revered to this day in Orkney. He took over the earl-ship from his brother Einar after he was killed by Thorfinn’s foster-father. He wore a gilded gold helmet and this symbol is prominently placed on this bottling.
Thorfinn was a man of much power and influence, who at one stage controlled the whole of the Orkney Islands. The Orkneyinga Saga described him as a great chief, the tallest and strongest of men whose remains are buried in St Magnus Cathedral on Orkney. The dark russet appearance sets the tone for this deep and complex whisky. Spicy smokiness arrives at the fore and is followed by an array of flavours. Ginger, dried fruits and lingering spice are a result of the scarce and valuable European oak sherry seasoned casks.
Created using a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, Thorfinn delivers a deep and complex array of flavours. Think fiery ginger fusing with sun-dried fruits and fistfuls of spice, all emboldened by our signature smokiness.
Created using a high proportion of European and American first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks.
| Brand | Highland Park |
| Cask type | Created using a high proportion of European and American first-fill sherry seasoned oak casks |
| Country | Scotland |
| Region | Island |
| Size | 70cl |
| ABV / Strength | 45.1% |
| Age | NAS |
| Varietal | Single Malt |
A 30 year old from Highland park and a winner of many awards including a Platinum award from the Chicago Beverage Testing Institute.
In Malt Advocate, John Hansell commented “Whiskies like this one remind me why I fell in love with whisky in the first place” and we know exactly what he means. There’s that fudgy sweetness that characterises the more mature Highland Park, but here it’s combined with complex aromatic spices as well as dark chocolate orange and floral peat notes. Dry at the finish, it leaves an aromatic smoky flavour and a mouth-watering hint of mild, salty sea spray – the result of 30 years’ maturation on Orkney’s windswept island environment
House Lannister is represented by Lagavulin, known for its powerful smoky flavours, House Stark is represented by Dalwhinnie, whose whiskies are forged in the cold of the North, and House Targaryen is represented by Cardhu, whose history boasts strong female leaders in a male-dominated society. House Tully is represented by Glendullan, who used the power of water to create stunning whisky, House Tyrell is represented by Clynelish, whose floral tones and smoky kick represent the Golden Rose of House Tyrell, and House Baratheon is represented by Royal Lochnagar, whose reign outlived that of the Baratheons, but whose whisky just as lively and full of character as the fallen House. House Greyjoy is represented by Talisker, an island distillery which faces the harsh seas and survives, and the Night’s Watch and represented by Oban, who face the barren seas between the West Highlands and the Islands of Scotland.
House Lannister is represented by Lagavulin, known for its powerful smoky flavours, House Stark is represented by Dalwhinnie, whose whiskies are forged in the cold of the North, and House Targaryen is represented by Cardhu, whose history boasts strong female leaders in a male-dominated society. House Tully is represented by Glendullan, who used the power of water to create stunning whisky, House Tyrell is represented by Clynelish, whose floral tones and smoky kick represent the Golden Rose of House Tyrell, and House Baratheon is represented by Royal Lochnagar, whose reign outlived that of the Baratheons, but whose whisky just as lively and full of character as the fallen House. House Greyjoy is represented by Talisker, an island distillery which faces the harsh seas and survives, and the Night’s Watch and represented by Oban, who face the barren seas between the West Highlands and the Islands of Scotland.
Highland Park 25yo is a terrifically complex, rich, woody, sherried dram. It seems as if this release will be the last at cask strength as the company is running low on stocks, so don’t tarry too long if you want one of these.
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Bottled We estimate is from 2006
Stated Age 25 years old
Cask type Sherry Oak Casks from spain
Strength4 8.1 % Vol.
Single malt from the Jura distillery on the eponymous island, released as part of the Rare Vintage series. This one is a 1988 vintage, bottled in 2018 following a finishing period in tawny Port casks (which we’re rather fond of here at MoM Towers). 1,406 bottles were produced.
Introduced in 1997, the 25 year old was bottled at a variety of cask strengths until the core range was revamped in 2006, when it received a permanent ABV of 48.1%. A new expression with a lower strength was introduced in 2013 before another rebranding of the core range saw the 25 year old become a batch release again in 2019.
The remarkable complexity of our 25 YEAR OLD single malt whisky owes a great deal to its maturation in a high proportion of the finest quality first-fill Sherry seasoned European oak casks.
The casks impart an astonishing flavour to the whisky as it matures – at once dark and full bodied with a rich and nutty spiciness, yet brimming with sweet dried fruits, cinder toffee and soft fudge. 25 years encased in oak has not only created a whisky with impressive depths, but time has delivered a vibrant sweetness too. Renowned whisky writer F. Paul Pacult named it Best Spirit in the World in the 2013 Spirit Journal – an accolade of which we are particularly (but typically quietly) proud.
A 1989 vintage single malt which hails from the Isle of Jura! After it was distilled, it was laid to rest in American white oak bourbon barrels, where it stayed until 2019. After that point, it was bottled at 53.5% ABV for the Rare Vintage series, with the limited 1,500 bottles accompanied by a very classy presentation box. Did you know that on Jura there are more deer than people? What a terrifying prospect.
Highland Park Thor has a natural strength like its namesake, drawing influence from the environment unique to Orkney, to create a truly elemental spirit. Distilled where sea turns to ocean, this 16 year-old single malt is a meeting point of nature’s forces, exuding a dynamic and bold character on the surface, but with an unexpected softer side at its heart.
Bottled at a robust 52.1% abv this limited edition whisky comes housed in a unique wooden frame, which echoes the fearsome contours of a traditional Viking long ship.
Number of bottles 23000
A special limited edition bottle of Highland Park 25 Year Old, crafted from less than 20 casks including sherry seasoned European oak casks, combined with first-fill Bourbon casks and refill casks, all hand-selected by master whisky maker Gordon Motion.
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 our 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.
We’ve been crafting our award-winning single malt whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney, since 1798. Age, experience and respect for tradition may define our whisky, but it’s Orkney that sets it apart. Something magic happens here and the result is the wild harmony of flavours found in our whisky.
Bottler Distillery
Bottling Bottling serie Spring 2019 Release
Bottled 2019
Stated Age 25 years old
Cask type Sherry Seasoned European Oak
Casks Strength 46.0 %
Vol.Size 700 ml
The final release in the cult-favourite, uber-collectable collection from Highland Park: “the Magnus series”. Earl Haakon was a character in the Orkney Inga Saga, who murdered his cousin, Magnus (the inspiration for the previous two bottlings in the range). This is aged for 18 years, and it’s absolutely stunning.
The second release in Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection following last year’s Thor release. Loki is Thor’s adoptive brother, a mischievous soul, possibly even a shape-shifter and certainly an enigmatic character.
Highland Park have sought to create a whisky that matches Loki’s unique personality with this 15 year old single malt. Unusually, some heavily peated casks were used for part of the maturation.”
Number of bottles 21000
For the third release in the acclaimed Valhalla Collection, Highland Park has turned its attention to the mesmerizing Norse Goddess of Love, Freya.
Continuing the tradition of reflecting the character and qualities of the Norse Gods in the whisky itself, Freya’s intriguing allure and feisty personality has inspired a full, rich and complex single malt with a lingering beguiling finish.
Number of bottles 19000
Highland Park Odin represents a single malt Scotch whisky worthy of its namesake – the formidable and commanding ruler of Asgard. Its intense complexity ensures this final release is deserving of its rightful place at the head of the Valhalla Collection.
Number of bottles 17000
STORY
Released in 2013, Ragnvald is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky’s flavour, which is immense.
Arguably the most famous of the viking pioneers to sail uncharted waters, Ragnvald was more at home on sea than on land, undertaking numerous brave expeditions as far as the Middle East and even Asia. Ragnvald assisted King Harald and was given the title of Earl. He was a noted sailor and warrior and the black dragon or drekar is a symbol from the longships that he sailed.Â
Ragnvald arguably the most famous and pioneering of all Vikings to enter uncharted waters, he was most at home aboard his longship undertaking his many great expeditions throughout the Middle East and even Asia.
The Warrior Series is a collection of single malts created exclusively for Duty Free to showcase the very best of Highland Park. Each expression both introduces a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and demonstrates how the flavours of Highland Park are influenced by cask type.
Predominantly matured in the finest sherry seasoned European oak casks, Ragnvald’s flavour is rich and succulent, with distinct yet balanced notes of dark chocolate, candied peel, and oriental spices, all rounded off with heather rich peat smoke.
Predominantly matured in the finest sherry seasoned European oak casks
Together with THE DARK, THE LIGHT shares the story of the noble Viking warriors who are our ancestors, of our contrasting island seasons and of the intense balance of our whisky.
Light and dark are concepts that exist in opposition, yet together create a perfect balance. One cannot exist without the other; as one appears, the other disappears; together they create something greater than themselves – in nature, a perfect, continuous cycle.
In THE DARK – a special release of only 28,000 bottles – we celebrate autumn and winter on Orkney; a time to escape from the wild weather outside and gather together with friends and family, sharing long nights of conversation and laughter around the table, around the fire.
Presented in a beautifully embossed black glass bottle, the serpent dragon design takes its inspiration from the great Norse sagas and embraces both the high sun of summer solstice and the low sun of winter solstice – the polar opposites of our island seasons – while the runic writing reflects the ancient carvings of our Viking ancestors, here on Orkney.
Names then gave they to noon and twilight, morning they named, and the waning moon, night and evening, the years to number.
In THE LIGHT– a special release of only 28,000 bottles – we celebrate spring and summer in Orkney; a time to emerge from our winter’s hibernation, renewed and refreshed with a spring in our step, ready to embrace the warm bright days of summer. Presented in a beautifully embossed green glass bottle, the serpent dragon design takes its inspiration from the great Norse sagas and embraces both the high sun of the summer solstice and the low sun of the winter solstice – the polar opposites of our island seasons – while the runic writing reflects the ancient carvings of our Viking ancestors which can still be seen today, here in Orkney.
Names then gave they to noon and twilight, morning they named, and the waning moon, night and evening, the years to number.
The second release in the Magnus series from Highland Park, this will sell out before we even finish writing this sentence. It was created to celebrate Saint Magnus, who was described in the Orkenyinga Saga (no idea either) as “a man of extraordinary distinction, tall, with a fine, intelligent look about him.” It goes on this way, with numerous further compliments. We reckon he was writing about himself. Sadly, Saint Magnus was murdered by his treacherous cousin, Haakon.
This bottle was part of a private collection – if you’d like more detailed info and/or photos just get in touch!
A 25-year-old Arran single malt, released in Arran’s 25th year of production, this whisky has been matured in a combination of ex-bourbon and ex-sherry casks for a quarter of a century. Aromas of rich oak spice, nutmeg, baked figs, sultanas and black cherries fill the nose. The palate offers notes of fruit cake, toasted almonds, cinnamon, orange zest, honey and apricots that linger in the finish.
25 year old single malt from the Arran Distillery, located on the island which shares its name. Launched in 2020, the 25th year of Arran’s production, this expression was aged in a combination of 35% ex-sherry and 65% ex-bourbon casks, and it was all allowed 12 months of maturation in first-fill and refill sherry hogsheads before bottling. Here’s to a quarter of a century of top whisky from Arran, and here’s to many more!
Distillery Arran
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottled 2020
Stated Age 25 years old
Cask Type 65% Bourbon Barrels 35% Sherry Casks
Number of bottles 3000
Strength 46.0 % Vol.Size 700 ml
NOTICE the white lettering on the bottle is damaged
The pictures are from the actual bottle frond and back, if you’d like more detailed photos just get in touch!
The second release in Highland Park’s Valhalla Collection following last year’s Thor release. Loki is Thor’s adoptive brother, a mischievous soul, possibly even a shape-shifter and certainly an enigmatic character.
Highland Park have sought to create a whisky that matches Loki’s unique personality with this 15 year old single malt. Unusually, some heavily peated casks were used for part of the maturation.”
Number of bottles 21000
FIRE EDITION represents one half of a special two-part bottling, celebrating the great sagas of the Viking age recorded in the oldest Norse poems, the Poetic Edda.
The Poetic Edda tells the tale of the apocalyptic battle between the Gods and the Fire and Ice Giants, where the old world perished in a blazing ball of fire and the new world was born from its ashes. Celebrating this re-birth, or Ragnarok, we released 28,000 bottles of FIRE EDITION, encased in specially commissioned crimson glass. Matured in 100% refill Port seasoned casks – a first for Highland Park – the result is a vibrant single malt with the natural hue of glowing flames. Here, damsons, cinnamon, dried fruit and chocolate dance on the tongue, before sizzling to an intense fruity finish.
ICE EDITION represents a very special two-part bottling, celebrating the Viking sagas recorded in the oldest recorded Norse poems, the Poetic Edda.
In a fittingly chilly reflection of Nilfheim, one of the nine worlds of old Norse mythology and the birthplace of ice, frost and fog, ICE EDITION is presented in a glacial blue bottle. Exquisitely designed to reflect shards of glittering ice, the bottle is encased in a wooden mountain-like cradle and sealed with a wooden stopper. A special release of only 30,000 bottles, it delivers intense aromas of cool fresh pineapple and ripe mango sorbet, underpinned by a frosty kick of root ginger, reflecting all the majestic powers of the great Ice Giant, Ymir.
Arran Smugglers’ Series Volume 3 / The Exciseman
A rare second release of this Limited Edition, Arran The High Seas Smugglers Series Volume 2 Single Malt Whisky.
Bottled at natural Cask Strength in 2016 and a Limited Edition of 8700 bottles, Arran pay homage with “The High Seas” to the resiliant character of those who outwitted the Officers of Excise in their pursuit of the famed Arran “waters”.
A very cool nod to the shady history of Arran’s distilling. Back during the 18th and 19th century the island was a producer of illicit whisky. Presented in a book style package to hide the goods.
This is the 2016 and second release in the highly acclaimed Arran Smugglers’ Series, which also included The Illicit Still and The Exciseman, released in the years prior and subsequent to this. The series was a nod to the shady history of Arran’s distilling back during the 18th and 19th century when the island was a producer of illicit whisky. Presented in a book style package to hide the goods.
The whisky itself is a peated spirit matured in rum casks and finished in first fill bourbon barrels.
One of 8,700 bottles.
Distillery Arran
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie Smugglers‘ Series No. 2
Bottled 2016
Cask type Madeira and Quarter Casks
Rum Cask Finish Matured in 200L American Oak Barrels
Peated Stock (50PPM) Matured in 200L Ex-Bourbon Barrels
Un-Peated Stock Matured in 200L Ex-Bourbon Barrels 1st Fill
Number of bottles 8700
Strength 55.4 %
Vol.Size 700 ml 750 ml
Selecting similar quantities of contrasting cask types – nine first-fill European sherry seasoned oak hogsheads, eight ex-bourbon hogsheads, and nine refill hogsheads – gives the November 2019 Release of Highland Park 21 Year Old single malt whisky an impressively rounded and unique flavour. As the warm spices and rich dried fruit flavours of the European casks mingle with the sweeter, exotic fruit notes from the ex-bourbon hogsheads, the softer influence of the refill casks finishes off the harmony.
Bottled at its marrying strength of 46%, this exceptionally well-balanced whisky delivers notes of freshly-cut pineapple, ripe mango, juicy pears, sun-dried sultanas, dried exotic fruit, spice market aromas and curls of densely aromatic peat smoke.
We’ve been crafting our award-winning whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney, since 1798. Age, experience and respect for tradition may define our whisky, but it’s Orkney that sets it apart. Something magic happens here and the result is the wild harmony of flavours found in our whisky.
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie August 2019 Release Bottled 2019
Stated Age 21 years old
Cask type European & American 1st Fill Sherry+Refill
CaskStrength 46.0 %
Vol.Size 700 ml
Arran Smugglers’ Series Volume 3 / The Exciseman
A rare third and final release of this Limited Edition, Arran The Exciseman Smugglers Series Volume 3 Single Malt Whisky.
Bottled at natural Cask Strength in 2017 and a Limited Edition of 8700 bottles, Arran pay homage with “The Exciseman” to the exuberant character of those striving to outwit the Government’s representatives in the pursuit of the production of the famed Arran Waters..
A very cool nod to the shady history of Arran’s distilling. Back during the 18th and 19th century the island was a producer of illicit whisky. Presented in a book style package to hide the goods.
This is the 2017 third release in the highly acclaimed Arran Smugglers’ Series, following on from the Illicit Stills and High Seas.
Matured in Madeira and smaller bourbon quarter casks.
Distillery Arran
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie Smugglers‘ Series No. 3
Bottled 2017
Cask type Madeira and Quarter Casks
Quarter Cask Matured in 125L Ex-Bourbon Barrels
Madeira Cask Maturation Matured in 225L European Oak Barrels
Number of bottles 8700
Strength 56.8 %
Vol.Size700 ml 750 ml
BACKGROUND
THE DARK shares the story of the noble Viking warriors who are our ancestors, of our contrasting island seasons and of the intense balance of our whisky.
Dark and light are concepts that exist in opposition, yet together create a perfect balance. One cannot exist without the other; as one appears, the other disappears; together they create something greater than themselves – in nature, a perfect, continuous cycle.
In THE DARK – a special release of only 28,000 bottles – we celebrate autumn and winter on Orkney; a time to escape from the wild weather outside and gather together with friends and family, sharing long nights of conversation and laughter around the table, around the fire.
Presented in a beautifully embossed black glass bottle, the serpent dragon design takes its inspiration from the great Norse sagas and embraces both the high sun of summer solstice and the low sun of winter solstice – the polar opposites of our island seasons – while the runic writing reflects the ancient carvings of our Viking ancestors, here on Orkney.
Names then gave they to noon and twilight, morning they named, and the waning moon, night and evening, the years to number.
Scapa released this 16 year old expression in 2008 to replace the popular 14 year old. Highly regarded in its time, the 16 year old was discontinued in 2015.
The initially controversial 16yo official expression of Scapa is now winning people round with a jump in quality after a few wobbly years following the rapid transition from the much-loved 12yo via the short-lived 14yo. Orkney’s less shouted about (but still lovely in its own way) malt whisky has found its feet
Distilled: October 1991
Bottled: October 2007
Age: 16 years old
Cask Type: refill hogshead
Cask Number: 3557
50% ABV / 70cl
Bottle Number: One of only 355 bottles released
Notice Damage Top Picture Provided
From a tiny distillery in Orkney, Scapa is often overlooked in favour of its more famous neighbour Highland Park. This 14yo was quite a shortlived bottling -it was introduced by then new owners Chivas Brothers to replace the old 12yo, but was subsequently superseded by the now-familiar 16 year old standard official bottling.
Released in 2013, Ingvar is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free market in Taiwan, to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky flavour, which is immense. This is a Cask Strength Special Edition.
Ingvar Ragnarson, was a warrior King, known for his exceptional cruelty, strength and skill with many weapons. After successfully conquering Dublin in Ireland, he formed the Great Heathen Army which rampaged through Northern England, beheading the King of that region in the process. Ingvar’s army moved quickly using a variety of weapons including the long spear, which although not as glamorous as the sword or as frightening looking as a battle axe, was deadly on the battlefield and in close combat.
Ingvar was released in early 2016 for the Taiwanese travel retail market, and was named in honour of Ingvar Ragnarsson, “a Warrior king known for his exceptional cruelty, strength and skill”.
Matured in a combination of Ex-Bourbon and Sherry oak casks 60.5% ABV / 70cl
This beautiful 21-year-old whisky is a new addition to the Tobermory range that was finished in ex-oloroso sherry casks. These were chosen to create flavours reminiscent of foraged fruit found scattered across the distillery’s charming home on the Isle of Mull.
A superb 18 year old from the Highland Park distillery and a winner of a Gold Medal at the 2005 San Francisco World Spirits Competition.
Together with THE DARK, THE LIGHT shares the story of the noble Viking warriors who are our ancestors, of our contrasting island seasons and of the intense balance of our whisky.
Light and dark are concepts that exist in opposition, yet together create a perfect balance. One cannot exist without the other; as one appears, the other disappears; together they create something greater than themselves – in nature, a perfect, continuous cycle.
In THE LIGHT– a special release of only 28,000 bottles – we celebrate spring and summer in Orkney; a time to emerge from our winter’s hibernation, renewed and refreshed with a spring in our step, ready to embrace the warm bright days of summer. Presented in a beautifully embossed green glass bottle, the serpent dragon design takes its inspiration from the great Norse sagas and embraces both the high sun of the summer solstice and the low sun of the winter solstice – the polar opposites of our island seasons – while the runic writing reflects the ancient carvings of our Viking ancestors which can still be seen today, here in Orkney.
Names then gave they to noon and twilight, morning they named, and the waning moon, night and evening, the years to number.
Many experts rate 21-year-old Highland Park as one of the best examples from this popular distillery. Originally created exclusively for global travel retail and duty free markets, this whisky was named Best Single Malt of the Year at the World Whisky Awards 2009. Released in October 2007, Highland Park 21 is a full-flavoured, powerful, sweet single malt with a rich smoky finish.
Notice this bottle is a travel retail and it is a 40%
Highland Park’s 1990 vintage whisky, bottled in 2010 at about 20 years old. A departure from their usual age statement bottlings and originally created for distribution through travel retail.
Distillery Highland Park
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serieVintage for Travel Retail
Vintage 1990
Bottled 2010
Calculated age 20 years old
Strength 40.0 %
Vol.Size 700 ml
A special edition Tobermory, originally bottled for the German market – we’ve managed to grab a few to let more Tobermory fans have a try. Matured in sherry casks, it’s a rich and spicy look at this weighty and complex island whisky.
Released in 2013, Sigurd is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky’s flavour, which is immense.
The single malt is named after one of the most feared Viking earls in the Orkneyinga Saga. The symbol is a sword of Sigurd which he inherited from his dead father. The Sigurd whisky comes in a beautiful wooden box and as soon as the whisky is in your glass, you imagine yourself in the middle of this saga!
Sigurd was one of the most feared Viking warriors considered to be strong, courageous and in possession of a warriors instinct as razor sharp as the sword he carried by his side.
The Warrior Series is a collection of single malts created exclusively for Duty Free to showcase the very best of Highland Park. Each expression both introduces a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and demonstrates how the flavours of Highland Park are influenced by cask type.
Predominantly matured in sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, Sigurd’s big and bold flavour exhibits layer upon layer of lemon peel, charred pineapple, cinnamon, lavender, and rich peat smoke.
Predominantly matured in European and American sherry seasoned oak casks
This 18-year-old single malt is part of a series of six Tobermory bottles exclusive to Germany. Aged it bourbon casks, it has a light, fresh and floral nose accompanied by notes of oak, maple syrup and sea salt on the palate.
Distillery Tobermory
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Stated Age 18 years old
Cask type Ex-Bourbon Casks
Number of bottles 3000
Strength 46.3 %
Vol.Size 700 ml
Highland Park Dark Origins is a new core bottling that celebrates the early days of Magnus Eunson’s illicit distilling on Orkney, back before the distillery was even founded in 1798. Magnus worked as a butcher and church official by day, but by night he was a legendary whisky smuggler and distiller outwitting the exciseman.
To honour their hero (the Batman of the Orkney Islands, if you will), Highland Park have created a whisky with a suitably ‘dark’ character. Using 80% first-fill Sherry casks (20% refill) – 60% are first-fill European oak, with 20% being first-fill American oak – an exciting, spicy, chocolatey whisky has been produced.
This peated Ledaig single malt from Tobermory matured for 12 years, including a finish in a custom-made oloroso sherry octave cask. Octaves are the cask of choice for indie bottler Darkness, their smaller size ensures greater interaction between spirit and wood during maturation, in turn ensuring heaps of sherry character in the final whisky.
A sea-faring people, House Greyjoy rule over the Iron Islands and worship the Drowned God. The Ironborn live and breathe the sea, making their fortune amidst salt and smoke. With the sweat of their brows and the strength of their backs the Greyjoys have forged their place amongst the great Houses of Westeros, feeding their people and surviving on the desolate Iron Islands. They pay the Iron Price to succeed. On the shores of one of the most remote and rugged Islands in Scotland, the Isle of Skye, lies Talisker Distillery. Its wave-beaten shores imbue its whisky with Talisker’s signature maritime character. An intense, smoky single malt, with spicy and sweet notes, whose maritime edge makes this the perfect whisky to represent House Greyjoy.
Highland Park’s 18 Year Old enjoyed a redesign in 2017, receiving livery inspired by the wood carvings from Urnes Stave Church and a new sub-name, “Viking Pride”. The Orkney single malt remains the same as before – rich, complex and supremely delicious.
Highland Park Dark Origins is a new core bottling that celebrates the early days of Magnus Eunson’s illicit distilling on Orkney, back before the distillery was even founded in 1798. Magnus worked as a butcher and church official by day, but by night he was a legendary whisky smuggler and distiller outwitting the exciseman.
To honour their hero (the Batman of the Orkney Islands, if you will), Highland Park have created a whisky with a suitably ‘dark’ character. Using 80% first-fill Sherry casks (20% refill) – 60% are first-fill European oak, with 20% being first-fill American oak – an exciting, spicy, chocolatey whisky has been produced.
December! The best time for cosy fireside sipping, and this Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram will keep you stocked up with a daily dose of deliciousness all the way up until Christmas. Behind each door, a different sample of peaty whisky awaits, sourced from an array of impressive producers, and it’s not just Scotland that uses peat you know – there are a few smoky examples from other global producers in the mix here too! There are 25 30ml wax-sealed samples in total, meaning you’ll have no trouble keeping track of the days as Christmas draws near. If you’re after a gift for a whisky lover who enjoys the smoky side of things and a classic Islay profile, or you yourself are a bit of a peat fiend, this is the Advent Calendar for you.
Get your tasting glasses ready folks, the Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram is back, ready to guide us through the dark days of December and into the shining fairy lights of Christmas! There are 25 different samples of incredible whisky to explore here, spanning an array of styles and origins, and sourced from some of the most exciting producers around. What better way to get into the festive spirit, and what a supreme gift this would make for a whisky lover.
Transport your tastebuds to Scotland this Christmas with Drinks by the Dram’s Scotch Whisky Advent Calendar! It’s jam-packed with 25 incredible samples of whisky, sourced from some of the best distilleries and producers across Scotland. Each day of Advent, take a peek behind a door and you’ll discover a different 30ml wax-sealed dram, waiting for you to crack it open and indulge in the majestic liquid within. What better way to get in the festive spirit, and what better gift for a Scotch whisky fan?
This Peaty Whisky Advent Calendar from Drinks by the Dram contains 24 of the finest smoky whiskies that money can buy and showcases peated whisky from around the world – not just Scotland.
A roaring fire paired with a warming Whisky is a rite of passage during the colder months, and peated Whiskies embody this sentiment perfectly. But being sourced from different locations, not all peat imparts the same flavours. From powerful peat monsters packing in plenty of medicinal, earthy notes, to lightly smoked sippers with just a whisper of those flavours, this calendar is just the place to learn all about the magic of peat.
(44.5% abv, 72cl)
Behind each of the 24 windows, you’ll find a different 30ml wax-sealed sample dram of Scotch whisky from a host of top distilleries and producers, spanning a variety of lip-smacking flavour profiles. Old favourites, new discoveries, world-famous releases – all in one snazzy Advent Calendar!
Balvenie DoubleWood 12 Year Old
Bowmore 15 Year Old
Dalmore 15 Year Old
The GlenDronach 12 Year Old
Glenfarclas 105
Glenfiddich 15 Year Old Solera
Glengoyne 10 Year Old
Johnnie Walker Green Label 15 Year Old
Ledaig 10 Year Old
Johnnie Walker Gold Label Reserve
The Glenturret Triple Wood
The Macallan 12 Year Old Double Cask
Highland Park 12 Year Old – Viking Honour
Isle of Jura 18 Year Old
Fettercairn 12 Year Old
Ailsa Bay Release 1.2 Sweet Smoke
Berry Bros. & Rudd Speyside – The Classic Range
Speyside #4 24 Year Old (That Boutique-y Whisky Company)
Aerolite Lyndsay 10 Year Old – The Character of Islay Whisky Company
Darkness 8 Year Old
Crabbie’s Yardhead
Tamdhu 12 Year Old
Benriach The Twelve
Glenallachie 12 Year Old 2009 (cask 5551) – Drinks By the Dram Exclusive
Size 72cl ABV / Strength 43.8%
For Triskelion, three legendary Highland Park whisky makers joined forces. Together, Gordon Motion, Max McFarlane and John Ramsay chose and married three principal cask types, with the aim of exploring the influence of wood and cask seasoning. Liquid from first-fill sherry seasoned Spanish oak butts, first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and first-fill bourbon barrels and hogsheads, along with a small number of refill casks was bottled up at 45.1% ABV. Stone fruit, citrus and peat smoke, you’ll find it all here!
Distillery Highland Park
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottled 2019
Cask type 1st Fill: Spa. + Amer. Sherry & Bourbon casks
Strength 45.1 %
Vol.Size700 ml
Casks have a huge influence on our whisky. As our fresh new make spirit slowly matures inside them, the casks use these long years to impart their vast array of robust flavours.
It only follows then, that when you bottle straight from the cask, without adding water to reduce alcohol content, you are going to taste our whisky – and the cask’s influence – in its purest form.
Cask Strength Release No. 1 is matured predominantly in sherry seasoned American oak casks of different ages, hand-selected by Gordon Motion, our Master Whisky Maker. It is then directly bottled – not chill-filtered – to ensure the essential DNA and natural colour of our whisky stays intact. There is nothing in this whisky other than the whisky itself. Nothing but the intensely balanced, award-winning spirit of Highland Park.
It is at once sweet and smoky on the nose, with aromas of violets and ripe vanilla pods amidst waves of aromatic peat smoke. On the palate, it is rich and full-bodied, with soft toffee, heather honey, freshly grated nutmeg, and sun-ripened citrus fruits that give way to an exotically spiced crème brûlée finish.
Category Single Malt Distillery
Bottler Distillery Bottling Bottling serie Robust & Intense
Bottled 04.08.2020
Cask type sherry seasoned American oak casks Cask number Release No. 1
Strength 63.3% Vol.
Distilled: 1991 February
Bottled: 2007 August
Age: 16 years old
Cask Type: Filled from one refill hogshead
Cask Number: 3841
50% ABV / 70cl
Bottle Number: One of only 332 bottles released
This is a sixteen year old Isle of Jura bottling from Douglas Laing’s Old Malt Cask range.
Ledaig! Is a cracking single malt that proves Islay isn’t the only place to get your hands on splendidly peaty whisky – the Tobermory distillers on the Isle of Mull also know their way around peated malt for sure. This is the 18 Year Old Ledaig single malt, which offers up hearty phenols, smoky herbs, cracked black pepper and balancing waves of Sherry-soaked fruit.
In 18 Year Old Viking Pride Travel Edition, we celebrate doing things our own way (often the hard way) and our commitment to the craft of whisky-making. One crucial aspect of that craft is harmonisation.
After marrying whisky from different casks together, we then give the liquid valuable time to harmonise in the cask before being bottled. A deliberately slow and unhurried stage, long since abandoned by many distilleries, cask harmonisation is what helps us achieve the intense balance that is our hallmark. By using a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and bottling 18 Year Old Viking Pride Travel Edition at its marrying strength of 46% ABV, the whisky’s delicious notes of heather honey, chocolate and cherries are intensified.
The resulting single malt whisky is rich and sweet, boasting a powerful balance of cherry jam, rich dark chocolate, heather honey and waves of floral, aromatic peat smoke.
We’ve been crafting our award-winning whisky at the Highland Park Distillery in Kirkwall, Orkney, since 1798. Age, experience and respect for tradition may define our whisky, but it’s Orkney that sets it apart. Something magic happens here and the result is the wild harmony of flavours found in our whisky.
Highland Park’s 15 Year Old Viking Heart has been made using predominantly sherry-seasoned European and American casks, as well as a few refill casks, bottled at 44% ABV. Well, I suppose we should say “ceramic decantered” rather than “bottled”, really. The decanters were made by Wade Ceramics, and inspired by the earthenware vessels that whisky would have been stored in centuries ago.
Orkney’s Highland Park has once again bottled up a brill single malt at cask strength and bestowed it a pleasingly straightforward name – feast your eyes upon Highland Park Cask Strength Release No.2! This particular edition was made with a combination of sherry seasoned European and American oak casks, alongside a few ex-bourbon casks, selected by master whisky maker Gordon Motion. Sitting at a robust 63.9% ABV, this one offers up plenty of fruit, vanilla, and smoke notes to enjoy.
Category Single Malt Distillery
Bottler Distillery Bottling Bottling serie Robust & Intense
Bottled 01.07.2021
Cask number Release No. 2
Cask type Sherry seasoned European & American oak casks
Strength 63.9% Vol.
A special release of Isle of Jura’s 18-year-old whisky, originally only available in travel retail. It was initially matured in American-oak ex-bourbon casks before a finish in ‘Premier grand cru classé barriques’ – casks that used to hold top-end Bordeaux wine. Master blender Richard Paterson knows his wine casks, and here he’s added layers of rich spice and soft red fruit to Jura’s malty and spicy spirit.
At the peak of the Jura distillery’s core range (relaunched in mid-2018) sits the Isle of Jura 18 Year Old. This expression aged in American white oak ex-bourbon barrels before enjoying a finishing period in Premier Grand Cru Classé Bordeaux barrels, imparting a rich fruitiness.
The final bottling from the Viking Legend series, Valfather was named after the Norse god Odin. It’s the most peated whisky to date from Highland Park, a style designed to mimic Odin’ power. Valfather was matured in refill casks in order to balance the peatiness and also because the brand supposedly wanted to mirror the ethereal and lighter feel of Valhalla, Odin’s hall. It was bottled at 47% ABV without any additional colouring.
Danish designer Jim Lyngvild returned to help create the distinctive packaging, the inspiration of which was the ancient picture stones from Stora Hammars in Gotland, Sweden.
STORY
Here, on Orkney, those earthly winds sweep across our island home too, reaching speeds of over 100 miles per hour in winter. No trees survive such onslaught so our moorland peat is woodless, but rich in fragrant heather, producing the characteristic aromatic smokiness of our whisky.
16 YEAR OLD WINGS OF THE EAGLE celebrates our wild island climate. Its spicy and elegant character reveals a sophisticated combination of flavours, layered as intricately as the feathers of an eagle’s wing.
According to the legends of our Viking ancestors, the might eagle which sits at the top of Yggdrasil, the sacred tree, represents wisdom and knowledge. The beating of its wings creates the winds that sweep across Earth.
There is much to be told. An eagle sits at the top of the ash, and it has the knowledge of many things.
Seven-year-old Jura single malt, finished in a custom-made Moscatel octave cask before it was independently bottled to join the Darkness collection. Fragrant peat smoke rides throughout, backed by heaps of sweet clove and chewy spice.
This collection includes 3 Malt bottles of 33,33 CL:
Highland – The Dalmore 12 Year Reserve 33.33cl 40%
Islay – Isle of Jura 10 Year Reserve 33.33cl 40%
Speyside – Tamnavulin 10 Year Reserve 33.33cl 40%
Skiren is part of the Scapa range, which has been distilled in Scotland’s only remaining working Lomond Still. Initially matured in first fill American oak casks. The name Skiren derives from the Old Norse word for “glittering bright skies”.
Officially launched in 2006, this 10 year old lies at the heart of the Isle of Arran range and exudes all the honeyed richness we have come to associate with the island distillery.
Released in 2013, Svein is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky’s flavour, which is immense.
Svein is named after a Viking warrior who considered Orkney his home. When he wasn’t feasting and drinking in the winter months he would plant the fields and reap them himself when it was time to harvest. In his spare time, he would go back to his plundering and murdering ways in the Hebrides and in Ireland.
The Warrior Series is a collection of single malts created exclusively for Duty Free to showcase the very best of Highland Park. Each expression both introduces a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and demonstrates how the flavours of Highland Park are influenced by cask type.
Predominantly matured in sherry seasoned American and European oak casks, Svein’s intense flavour expresses powerful notes of crème brûlée, fresh pineapple, ripe oranges and spicy peat smoke.
American and European Sherry seasoned oak casks
Our Viking ancestors felt great affinity with the natural instincts of the wild wolf – a loyal and co-operative member of a tightly-knit pack, yet also a fearless and determined hunter.
Both wolf and Viking share the strong instinct to protect and defend family and territory, responding boldly and courageously when faced with threat or danger. Our island home on Orkney was under Viking rule for over 600 years and we are proud of the characteristics we share with our ancestors.
With 14 YEAR OLD LOYALTY OF THE WOLF we celebrate determination, co-operation and courage in a single malt whisky that is both sweet and complex, displaying a fine balance of contrasts, just like the Vikings – and the wolves – themselves.
Where wolf’s ears are, wolf’s teeth are near.
A peated whisky from the Tobermory distillery on the Isle of Mull, named after the distillery’s previous rebirth. Maritime and smoky, this whisky rivals Islay whiskies in terms of strength, and the 10-year maturation balances the intensity of youth with a rounded, well-aged spirit.
Ledaig 10YO is neither a smooth nor elegant whisky, but it is crisp, engaging, complex, colourful, tasty and naughty, and that may not sit well with conservative whisky fans.
Ledaig single malt Scotch whisky is produced at the Tobermory Distillery, the only distillery on the picturesque Hebridean Isle of Mull.
Its name comes from the original name for the area, Ledaig (Led-chig), from the Gaelic, meaning ?safe haven?. Ledaig, unlike Tobermory, is distilled from heavily peated malted barley. During the malting process, burning peat is used to dry the barley in a kiln. The reek from the burning peat is absorbed by the barley through the husk of the grain, and the reek remains through the mashing, fermentation and distillation processes, eventually leading to a single malt with a highly distinctive peaty, smoky taste. The result is an intricate Island Malt Scotch Whisky. The 2011 revamp of Ledaig, with new packaging and a solidly peaty whisky. Good work from Tobermory.
Bottler Distillery Bottling
Bottling serie The Distillers Edition
Vintage 2007 Bottled2017
Calculated age 10 years old
Cask type Amoroso Sherry Cask Finish
Strength 45.8 % Vol.Size700 ml
STORY
Released in 2013, Harald is part of The Warrior Series, a collection of single malts created for Duty-Free to both introduce a key figure from Orkney’s Viking history and to demonstrate the impact of cask type on our whisky’s flavour, which is immense.
This bottling is named for King Harald Fairhair, King of Norway (b. 860-d. 940). His army, known as the “bersekers” were known to be fierce in bottle and often used their shields for both protection and as weapons.
Harald was an incredibly important character in the founding of the Orkney earldom, as well as having a major role in the development of Viking history. King of Norway, Harald was famed for his army, which was revered across the world.
Matured in a combination of sherry seasoned American oak and European oak casks, Harald is a complex, yet finely balanced whisky, with an intense flavour brimming with heady ginger, sandalwood, sweet sponge cake and hints of freshly grated nutmeg.
Matured in a combination of American and European sherry seasoned oak casks
A ten year old edition of Arran’s Machrie Moor, which introduces a smoky edge to the distillery’s excellent single malt. The peaty elements pair wonderfully with the vibrant, fruity, softly grassy whisky, and with ten years of maturation in first fill bourbon casks behind this one, you can expect a fab flavour profile right here. The name, if you’re curious, comes from peat bog on the western side of the island.
Introducing Talisker Surge, a Global Travel Exclusive offering from single malt brand Talisker. The first Talisker variant aged in 100% bourbon casks making it uniquely rich spiced and vibrant. Made by the sea; flashes of surging spice and rich honeyed berries electrify the palate, while rolling smoke rumbles underneath. Liquid lightning that stirs the soul and sets pulses racing.
You may have guessed it already from this expression’s name, but the Isle of Jura Seven Wood is made with whisky drawn from seven different types of cask. There’s American white oak, and six other French oaks, Limousin, Tronçais, Allier, Vosges, Jupilles, and Les Bertranges. Intriguing stuff, this.
This is the second core range single malt released by Lagg distillery – which is named after a parish in the village of Lagg. Its peated malt and finishing period in ex-oloroso casks impart aromas of smoked walnut, spiced red berries and burnt chocolate on the nose, leading to notes of toasted oak, peat smoke and blackberry on the palate.
Machrie Moor is named for a peat bog on the island’s west coast where, according to legend, the giant Fingal kept his favoured pet dog. Now inducted into The Arran’s core range, this whisky continues to capture the island’s rugged and myth-strewn landscape: peat smoke and grass are lifted and given life by vanilla and a touch of sharp citrus.
Isle Of Jura The Loch is part of a series launched by the Jura distillery originally for the Travel Retail market. This expression was initially matured in American oak casks before being finished in casks that previously held 30 year old Pedro Ximénez sherry.
The heart and soul of Highland Park, VIKING HONOUR is a perfect harmony of aromatic smoky peat, sweet heather honey and rich fruit cake.
VIKING HONOUR reflects the unique culture of our remote island home here on Orkney. Part of Scotland yes, but originally belonging to a vast Viking kingdom. At Highland Park, we honour the spirit of our Viking ancestors, sharing their pride, integrity and fierce independence, and we distill our award-winning whisky to the same exacting standards introduced in 1798 by our founder, Magnus Eunson, a descendant of those early Viking settlers.
I am a reflection of my ancestors and values. I keep them close and continue to learn, to pass on those values to future generations. My name is all I truly have. Let it be a legacy of honour.
Old Viking Saying
Scapa Skiren is a 2015 release from the Orkney distillery. Aged in first-fill American oak casks, this is creamy and sweet with notes of tropical fruit and heather.
A Peated single malt whisky from the isle of Arran, bottled at cask strength. Previous editions have been released in yearly batches, but in 2018, the Arran distillers decided that these whiskies had become so popular that they deserved to be a permanent part of the range! Ideal! This punchy expression is named after the mystical peat bog western side of the island – which is fitting, considering the plentiful peat notes running throughout.
From the Jura distillery’s core range relaunch in 2018 comes a 12 year old single malt, matured in a combination of American oak casks and Oloroso sherry butts. A great example of Jura’s delicious malts.
A classic Island dram from the Isle of Skye. Aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, this welcome member of Diageo’s Classic Malts series has been recognised numerous times for its excellence.
It was an Editor’s Choice at Whisky Magazine, a gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and was awarded ‘Best Islands Single Malt’ at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.
A well-sherried Arran single malt? Oh yes! This particular expression has been dubbed The Bodega, and after it was distilled at Lochranza the whisky has been matured for seven years in first-fill sherry hogsheads. It’s presented in a rather elegant and handsome bottle. Lots of dried fruit and chocolate over here.
Released in early 2019, this 12 year old single malt from Tobermory was launched in celebration of the distillery returning to life after a two year break! This expression slumbered peacefully in American oak casks for a dozen years before being bottled at 46.3% ABV. What a way to get back in the swing of things!
An altogether smokier-than-normal addition to the Highland Park range, Dragon Legend shows off their peaty elements cleanly and clearly, alongside sweeter hints from the sherry-cask-matured portion of the expression.
Arran’s The Bothy single malt has joined the Island distillery’s permanent range! Matured initially in first-fill ex-bourbon barrels, this expression is finished for two years in quarter casks, which are much smaller than your average run-of-the-mill cask. Finally, it’s bottled at a generous 56.2% ABV.
A classic Island dram from the Isle of Skye. Aged for a minimum of 10 years in American oak casks, this welcome member of Diageo’s Classic Malts series has been recognised numerous times for its excellence.
It was an Editor’s Choice at Whisky Magazine, a gold medal winner at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition 2017 and was awarded ‘Best Islands Single Malt’ at the 2017 World Whiskies Awards.
Rich and full bodied, Arran seems to suit red wine, and this Port Cask finish is testament to that. Great maturity and at 50% for additional complexity. This expression was released in 2010.
The Arran Malt finished in Sauternes casks. These casks that previously held Bordeaux sweet wine give a honeyed sweetness to the isle of Arran’s only single malt distillery.
The Tobermory Distillery on the picturesque Isle of Mull isn’t home to just unpeated whisky. It also makes superbly smoky single malt under the name of Ledaig (that name isn’t simply a coincidence, by the way – Ledaig was one of the distillery’s previous names!). Distilled using the same pot stills as the classic unpeated Tobermory expression, just with peated barley instead, the whisky boasts plumes of rich, earthy, almost medicinal smoke, with underlying fresh fruit and crushed spice notes. This particular expression ages for 10 years before bottled at the very specific strength of 46.3% ABV.
The heart and soul of Highland Park, VIKING HONOUR is a perfect harmony of aromatic smoky peat, sweet heather honey and rich fruit cake.
VIKING HONOUR reflects the unique culture of our remote island home here on Orkney. Part of Scotland yes, but originally belonging to a vast Viking kingdom. At Highland Park, we honour the spirit of our Viking ancestors, sharing their pride, integrity and fierce independence, and we distill our award-winning whisky to the same exacting standards introduced in 1798 by our founder, Magnus Eunson, a descendant of those early Viking settlers.
I am a reflection of my ancestors and values. I keep them close and continue to learn, to pass on those values to future generations. My name is all I truly have. Let it be a legacy of honour.
Old Viking Saying
The first release in Tobermory distillery’s Sinclair Series, this smoky Ledaig single malt has been made with heavily-peated barley and finished in hand-selected Rioja casks. Aromas of Turkish Delight, candied orange peel, leather, black pepper and dark chocolate fill the nose, complemented by notes of almond, raspberries, vanilla, cinnamon and freshly cut grass on the palate over rich waves of savoury peat smoke.
Excitingly, this is the flagship single malt and the first core range expression to be released from Lagg Distillery. We have been waiting for whisky from Arran’s Peated sister distillery for some time but here it is: Kilmory! It’s made from peated Concerto malted barley and water from the distillery’s own borehole and matured in first-fill bourbon casks in order to preserve the house style of the Lagg distillery. It was bottled at 46% ABV, without chill filtration, and with no added colouring.
One of two initial releases from the Mossburn Signature Casks Series, which is a range of blended malts exploring the regional differences of Scotch whiskies. Each one is finished in specially-coopered casks designed to accentuate the particular stand-out flavours of each region’s whisky. For the second release, Mossburn have set their sights on Speyside, finishing the whisky in casks made from first-fill Oloroso sherry butt staves and heavily charred American oak cask heads.
Category Blended Malt
Bottler Mossburn – Distillers & Blenders (MDB)
Bottling serie The Mossburn Cask Bill No 2
Bottled 2018
Cask Type Refill ex-Bourbon + Oloroso Sherry Finish
Strength 46.0 % Vol.Size 700 ml
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