Highland Park 18 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky
Description: The Highland Park 18 Year Old, often bearing the "Viking Pride" moniker, is a highly acclaimed single malt Scotch whisky from the Highland Park Distillery on the Orkney Islands. It's crafted with a high proportion of first-fill sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks and incorporates a touch of Orkney's signature heathery peat smoke in the malting process. This 18-year maturation period imparts a significant depth and complexity to the spirit.
Tasting Notes:
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Nose: Expect a rich and complex aroma featuring notes of ripe cherries dusted with bittersweet cocoa, freshly harvested honeycomb, and candied orange peel. A whisper of Orkney's salty sea spray and aromatic peat smoke adds to the intrigue. Some detect butterscotch, toffee, and hints of floral notes.
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Palate: The palate is often described as creamy and full-bodied, with flavors of fruit conserves and espresso. A distinct creaminess with cinnamon and allspice emerges, alongside notes of toffee and thick black forest honey, with a touch more citrus. You might also find dark chocolate, stone fruit, and a subtle sherry influence.
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Finish: The finish is long and luxurious, with a lingering aromatic smoke and espresso notes. It's often described as well-sugared with a herbal edge, sometimes with a hint of spice and a gentle warmth.
Awards: The Highland Park 18 Year Old is one of the most highly-awarded single malt whiskies in the world, consistently receiving top accolades. Some notable awards include:
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Named "Best Spirit in the World" by F. Paul Pacult in his Spirit Journal.
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Chairman's Trophy for Best Island Malt at the Ultimate Spirits Challenge in 2018 and 2019.
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Double Gold Medal at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition (multiple years).
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Gold Medal at the International Spirits Challenge.
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Category Winner at the World Whiskies Awards for the 13-20 year old category in 2023.
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Platinum Medal at the Tastings.com (Beverage Testing Institute).
Overall Impression: The Highland Park 18 Year Old is widely considered a benchmark for quality single malt Scotch whisky. Its exceptional balance of rich, mature flavors, including honeyed sweetness, dark fruits, subtle smoke, and spice, makes it a truly memorable dram. The extended maturation in quality sherry casks contributes significantly to its depth and complexity. It's a whisky that is often recommended as a "must-try" for any serious whisky enthusiast and is best enjoyed neat or with a small drop of water to fully appreciate its nuanced character.
