For the first time, Highland Park have married whisky matured in oak casks seasoned with Spanish Rioja wine – 153 casks in total – with whisky matured in 70 first-fill bourbon casks
The result is this, Twisted Tattoo 16 Year Old, a rich and full-bodied single malt whisky with a distinctively different character.
Tattoos are a vital part of our cultural heritage today. They tell the world who we are, without saying a word.
In collaboration with Danish tattoo artist and modern day Viking Soul, Colin Dale, Highland Patk have created the bold design for this whisky, which celebrates the tattoo as a mark of both standing apart and being part of a tribe – just like Highland Park.
Colin’s intricate design is inspired by the free-flowing Nordic knotwork found on Viking wood carvings and reflects the Norse legend of the Midgard serpent, which grew so large it twisted round the Earth to grasp its tail in its mouth.
Nose: The berries of the Rioja are present immediately and are well above the wood of the Bourbon cask. Some heather and peat is also there!
Palate: Peppery malt with a refreshing orange hint.
Finish: Wood and the light smoke are noticeable!
Whiskey fun has scored Highland Park 16 Year Old Twisted Tattoo 85/100 overall on the blog.
Serge describes this whiskey as ‘very okay. They should try white Rioja next time they would want to go un-fortified Spanish, or perhaps some very sharp albarino?.’