Highland Park has launched Cask Strength: Heather, a limited-edition single malt whisky crafted with 100% Orkney peat-smoked barley and bottled at 63.6% ABV. Initially released in the US in November 2025, Heather is now available to purchase in the UK via The Whisky Exchange for £60 RRP.
The release represents the Orkney distillery’s most pronounced expression of its signature heathered peat character, utilizing peat sourced from Hobbister Moor near Kirkwall.
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The whisky has been matured in first-fill European and American sherry-seasoned oak casks alongside select refill casks.
Highland Park sources its peat from Hobbister Moor, located just miles from the distillery, where purple heather carpets the landscape each summer and infuses the peat over millennia.
“This whisky represents the brand’s most pronounced expression yet of Orkney’s aromatic heathered peat – the unique local ingredient that gives Highland Park its different by nature flavour,” the distillery stated in an announcement.
Master Whisky Maker Marc Watson carefully balanced the influence of peat-smoked barley with sherry-seasoned oak casks to create the expression.
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The official tasting notes from the brand describe aromas of bonfire smoke, vanilla pods and brandy butter on the nose.
On the palate, the whisky delivers rich, oily textures with creamy marshmallow and macadamia notes, offset by peppery spice and floral smokiness.
The finish lingers with vanilla sweetness and perfumed smoke throughout.
Cask Strength: Heather marks the first release in Highland Park’s refreshed Cask Strength range, through which the brand plans to explore bold expressions of its Orkney character.
The whisky has been non-chill filtered and derives its deep amber color naturally from the cask without additives.
Packaging features a deep purple gradient inspired by the shifting colors of heather on Hobbister Moor during summer months.
Highland Park Cask Strength: Heather will be available exclusively at The Whisky Exchange from January 13, 2026, priced at £60 both online and in stores.
The Orkney-based distillery continues to emphasize its unique terroir, particularly the aromatic qualities imparted by local heathered peat that distinguish it from other Scotch whisky regions.
