Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Description: Highland Park 12 Year Old, often known as "Viking Honour" since a 2017 rebranding, is the core expression from the Highland Park Distillery, situated on the Orkney Islands of Scotland. This single malt is celebrated for its harmonious balance of sweetness, spice, and subtle smokiness, a result of maturation primarily in sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks and the use of local Orkney heather peat in the malting process.
Tasting Notes:
-
Nose: Expect a fragrant aroma with notes of heather honey, fresh citrus (often Seville oranges), and a gentle, aromatic peat smoke. Hints of spiced fruitcake and a touch of floral sweetness may also be present.
-
Palate: The palate offers a rounded and smooth texture with flavors of honeyed sweetness, dried fruit, warm spices (cinnamon, nutmeg), and a delicate, smoky undertone. Notes of vanilla, caramel, and a malty richness are often detected.
-
Finish: The finish is typically medium to long, with a lingering warmth. The subtle peat smoke fades gracefully, accompanied by notes of sweet spice and a hint of citrus zest.
Awards: Highland Park 12 Year Old has consistently garnered high praise and numerous awards, including:
-
Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (multiple years).
-
Gold Medal at The Fifty Best Single Malt Scotch Whisky Awards.
-
96 Points, Great Value, Tried & True Award at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge (2019).
-
Best Relaunch Design at the World Whiskies Awards (2018) for the "Viking Honour" presentation.
Overall Impression: Highland Park 12 Year Old is a highly regarded and versatile single malt that beautifully exemplifies the balanced character of Orkney whiskies. Its approachable yet complex profile, with its integration of sweet, spicy, and subtly smoky notes, makes it a favorite among a wide range of whisky enthusiasts. It is excellent neat, with a drop of water, or as a quality base for classic Scotch cocktails.