Frequently Asked Questions
Highland Park 12 Year Old Viking Honour Single Malt Scotch Whisky is a timeless classic that embodies the rugged beauty of Orkney, Scotland's northernmost distillery. Crafted using locally sourced heather peat and matured predominantly in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, this whisky boasts a harmonious balance of flavors. Its golden amber hue reveals a bouquet of floral aromas, Seville oranges, and heather honey, while the palate delights with spiced fruitcake, orange zest, and a gentle wave of heathery peat smoke. The finish is long and satisfying, with warm peppery notes and a touch of citrus. Renowned as a versatile and balanced single malt, it's perfect for both seasoned scotch enthusiasts and those exploring the category, offering exceptional depth and smoothness with every sip.
Process & Profile
Highland Park's legendary production process is rooted in over two centuries of tradition. The distillery, founded in 1798 in Kirkwall, Orkney, adheres to the five keystones of their craft: hand-turned floor maltings, aromatic heather peat from Hobbister Moor, sherry cask maturation, cool Orkney climate, and cask harmonization. These unique elements contribute to the whisky's balanced flavor and unmistakable character.- Barley Malting: Highland Park still malts 20% of their barley on-site, hand-turning it every 4–6 hours to ensure even germination, followed by drying with heather peat. This adds a floral, smoky essence to the malt.
- Maturation: Exclusively matured in European and American oak casks seasoned with Oloroso sherry, this adds layers of dried fruit, spice, and sweetness while imbuing the whisky with its amber hue.
- Climate Control: Orkney's temperate, consistent climate ensures a slow, even maturation process that enhances the whisky's depth and complexity.
Tasting Notes
Highland Park 12 Year delivers an intricate and harmonious sensory experience, embodying the rugged charm of Orkney.- Color: Rich amber, reflecting sherry-cask influence.
- Nose: A delightful mix of light heather smoke, honeyed sweetness, and dried fruits, accented by hints of orange peel, wildflowers, and maritime salinity.
- Palate: Smooth yet complex with layers of malted barley sweetness, vanilla, caramel, and dried apricot. Subtle spice notes—clove, cinnamon, and nutmeg—blend seamlessly with floral peat smoke and a touch of sea salt.
- Finish: Medium to long, with lingering smoky warmth, soft oak, and a gentle sweetness balanced with spice.
What Makes It Special
Highland Park 12 Year is celebrated for its versatility and craftsmanship, making it a benchmark in single malt Scotch whisky. Here's why it stands out:- A Taste of Orkney: The use of heather peat, exclusive to Orkney, provides a sweet, floral smoky character distinct from the medicinal peat of Islay whiskies.
- Sherry Cask Mastery: Highland Park avoids bourbon casks, relying on Oloroso sherry-seasoned oak to deliver unrivaled richness.
- Historic Legacy: As one of Scotland's oldest distilleries, Highland Park's Viking heritage and traditional methods ensure an authentic and time-tested product.
How to Enjoy
Highland Park 12 is versatile, approachable, and perfect for various drinking styles:- Neat: Appreciate its full range of aromas and flavors by sipping it neat in a Glencairn glass.
- With Water: A few drops of water open up its subtle complexities, enhancing the floral and fruity notes.
- On the Rocks: For a refreshing twist, serve over ice to mellow the smoky and spicy edges.
- Cocktails: Use it as a sophisticated smoky base in whisky-forward cocktails like a Penicillin or Old Fashioned.
Frequently Asked Questions
What makes Highland Park 12 Year Old unique?
Highland Park 12 Year Old, branded as Viking Honour, is made using Orcadian heather peat, which imparts a delicate floral smokiness rather than the stronger medicinal notes found in Islay whiskies. The whisky also ages in sherry-seasoned oak casks that contribute rich fruit, spice, and honeyed sweetness, creating a well-balanced profile of sweetness, smoke, and spice.
What are the tasting notes for Highland Park 12 Year Old?
- **Nose:** Heather-honey sweetness with hints of pineapple, apple, and gentle peat smoke. - **Palate:** Smooth and rounded, featuring honey, citrus, dried fruits, and a subtle spice. - **Finish:** Lingering warmth with heathery smoke, soft oak spice, and a teasing sweetness.
How should Highland Park 12 Year Old be served?
This whisky is versatile. It can be enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity, with a splash of water to open up the flavors, or in cocktails for a smoky twist. Its balance of sweet and peaty notes makes it suitable for a variety of serving preferences.
Where is Highland Park 12 Year Old produced?
Highland Park is produced in Kirkwall, Orkney, Scotland, at the northernmost Scotch whisky distillery. Its remote location and use of local peat from Hobbister Moor contribute to its distinctive character.
What awards has Highland Park 12 Year Old won?
This expression has won numerous accolades, including a 96-point rating at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2019 and a Gold Medal at The Fifty Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky awards in 2018, underscoring its reputation for exceptional quality.
How does Highland Park 12 differ from other whiskies?
Unlike heavily peated Islay whiskies, Highland Park 12 uses heather peat, giving it a more floral and aromatic smoke. Additionally, its exclusive sherry-cask maturation imparts a rich complexity that balances sweetness, fruit, and spice, setting it apart from many other single malts.
What is the story behind the Viking Honour branding?
The "Viking Honour" branding pays homage to Highland Park's Orkney heritage and the Viking settlers who once inhabited the islands. This theme reflects the whisky's rugged yet balanced character, inspired by Orkney's unique landscape and history.
Is this whisky a good choice for beginners?
Yes, Highland Park 12 Year Old is an excellent introduction to single malt Scotch. Its balanced profile of gentle smoke, sweetness, and spice makes it approachable for novices while offering enough complexity to satisfy seasoned whisky enthusiasts.
What are the key ingredients in Highland Park 12 Year Old?
The whisky is made using water, malted barley, and yeast, with a portion of the barley malted on-site using aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor. These ingredients contribute to the whisky's distinctive floral and smoky flavors.
How long is Highland Park 12 Year Old aged?
As the name suggests, this single malt is matured for 12 years. The aging process occurs in sherry-seasoned oak casks, which are pivotal in developing the whisky's rich and layered flavor profile.
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