Orkney-based distillery Highland Park has launched a new, 15-year-old single malt Scotch whisky that will be a permanent fixture in its range of spirits.
The Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart is presented in a heavily embossed ceramic bottle, created in partnership with UK based Wade Ceramics. The inspiration of which came from ancient earthenware vessels, the same the whisky would have been stored in a century or two ago at the distillery.
Created from casks hand-selected by Highland Park Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, the 15 Year Old contains a high percentage of first-fill European oak sherry seasoned casks, which he says delivers a warm, dry spicy note. The first-fill American oak sherry seasoned casks, Motion said, back this up with notes of vanilla and crème brûlée.
A small proportion of refill casks allow what’s described as the DNA of Highland Park whisky to come through, especially its gentle heather peat and lightly fruity character.
“Our insistence on specially constructed sherry casks delivers a richness of flavor,” Motion said in a prepared statement. “Vanilla and citrus notes lead and combine with the unique fragrant peat and creamy mouthfeel synonymous with Highland Park. The hand selection of quality first-fill and refill casks for Highland Park 15 Year Old delivers a rich color which is 100 percent natural.”
And bottled at 88 proof, Motion said this retains more of the compounds which deliver a whisky with extra body and enhanced mouthfeel.
You’ll find official tasting notes and other information below.
- Suggested Retail Price: $110.
- US Availability: end of October/early November
- ABV: 44% (88 proof).
- Volume: 750ml.
- Color: Natural cask driven color, light golden, clear and bright.
- Aroma: Charred cinnamon shards, mellow smoke from Orkney’s unique heather peat.
- Taste: Warm vanilla sponge cake, sun-kissed lemon zest, fresh pineapple, and rich heather honey.
- Finish: A complex and rich finish lingers with a gentle aromatic peat smoke.
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