Created from just 15 casks, laid down in 1998 and earlier years, it delivers Highland Park signature intense balance through wave upon wave of perfectly harmonised flavours.
Gordon Motion, Master Whisky Maker, hand selected almost identical quantities of first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks, first-fill sherry seasoned American oak casks and refill casks to demonstrate the impact of different cask types on the intense balance of our whisky.
Each cask has been matured in the island warehouses for a minimum of 21 years. This is an ideal period as it allows the rich flavours of the first-fill casks to come vibrantly to the fore – spices and dried fruit from the European oak casks and vanilla and citrus notes from the American oak casks.
Introducing refill casks balances the influence of oak from the first-fill casks, while bottling the whisky at its marrying strength of 46% delivers a rich and deep finish.
This 21 Year Old displays the fine maturity of character that befits a whisky of this age and delivers a perfect harmony of spice and fruit on a wave of the aromatic smoke that is the hallmark of Orkney’s unique heather peat.
Nose: Butterscotch, dark chocolate and orange.
Palate: Full flavour, candied orange peel with spicy dark chocolate leading to a rich smoky sensation.
Finish: Rich, complex, sweet smoky sensation then soft medium dry.
- Chairman's Trophy for Best Island Malt 97 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge - 2020
- Gold Medal - Luxury Spirits Masters - 2020