Highland Park 17 year old The Dark - 52.9% 70cl

Matured in European oak sherry seasoned casks to deliver a distinctively deep flavour, it’s packed with dried fruits, nuts and spices, overlaid with hints of smoky peat.

The dark and light are concepts that exist in opposition, yet together create a perfect balance, and inspired a limited edition releases of the same name.

The Dark 17 Year Old is a whisky for reflection; in it we celebrate autumn and winter in Orkney – a time to escape from wild weather outside and gather with friends and family, sharing long nights of conversation and laughter around the fire.

A rich and powerful single malt whisky, The Dark has been matured exclusively in sherry seasoned oak casks and is presented in an embossed black glass bottle.

The serpent dragon design takes its inspiration from the great Norse sagas, embracing both the high sun of the summer solstice and the low sun of the winter solstice, while the runic writing reflects the ancient carvings of our Viking ancestors, here in Orkney.

‘Embernectar’ is the word we coined to describe this whisky’s unique flavour profile. It’s definitely easier than saying ‘distant campfires, toasted almonds, dried fruits, cinnamon, cedarwood, fruitcake and light smoke’.

Limited edition of 28,000 bottles only.

Nose: A slightly subdued nose. There are sweet blackberries and fig pastry but mainly spices. Cinnamon sticks and roasted (chest)nuts. Soft hints of metal polish.

Palate: Again a fairly spice-driven sherry profile. Roasted nuts and coffee beans, dark malt, including a light bitter edge of Seville oranges. Then strong herbal tea, juniper and clove. Cinnamon cake.

Finish: Long, fairly dry, with smoky notes, herbs and a bittersweet dark chocolate edge.

- Gold Medal - Scottish Field Whisky Challenge Awards - 2019

- Double Gold Best Distillers' Single Malt Scotch - San Francisco World Spirits Competition - 2018

- Extraordinary 96 Points - Ultimate Spirits Challenge - 2018