Highland Park 15 Year Old Single Malt Scotch Whisky

The Highland Park 15 Year Old Single Malt Whisky, often bearing the “Viking Heart” moniker, is a distinguished expression from the Highland Park Distillery on the Orkney Islands. It is crafted with a high proportion of sherry-seasoned European and American oak casks, along with a touch of Orkney’s signature heathery peat smoke. Bottled at 44% ABV, it aims to showcase a vibrant fruitiness and distinctive peat smoke.

Tasting Notes:

• Nose: Expect rich and spicy aromas of crème brûlée, heather honey, and crumbled cinnamon, followed by intense fruity notes of fresh pineapple and sun-kissed lemon zest. A hint of warm, freshly-baked sponge cake and toasted cinnamon shards are also present, with lingering citrus and vanilla notes in the aromatic waves of peat smoke.
• Palate: The taste offers toasted cinnamon shards, mellow peat smoke, warm vanilla sponge cake, sun-kissed lemon zest, and fresh pineapple. Some detect brown sugar, orange oil, vanilla, treacle, and lemon.
• Finish: The finish is lasting with spicy cinnamon and smoky embers. You might also find notes of honey, light peat smoke, pineapple, vanilla, and nutmeg.

Awards: Highland Park 15 Year Old has received notable recognition:

• Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition in 2024 and 2023.
• Gold at the International Spirits Challenge in 2024.
• Gold at the International Wine & Spirits Competition in 2022.

Overall Impression: The Highland Park 15 Year Old is a wonderfully intricate and complex single malt that beautifully balances rich and spicy aromas with vibrant fruitiness and the signature heathery peat smoke of Orkney. The influence of the sherry-seasoned oak casks contributes warm, spicy notes and sweet vanilla nuances. It’s considered a well-rounded and enjoyable dram, offering a step up in complexity from the 12-year-old while maintaining the distinctive Highland Park character.