Highland Park 12 yo (2006/2018), Single Cask Daner, 63.3%

Introduction

Highland Park 12 Year Old Single Cask Daner represents a rare expression from Scotland’s northernmost distillery, showcasing the extraordinary character that emerges when Highland Park’s distinctive spirit meets exceptional cask selection.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish barley and the aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor on Orkney, containing unique heather and vegetation that contributes to Highland Park’s signature profile
• Distillation process: Traditional floor malting with around 20% of their own peated malt, distilled in copper pot stills shaped to promote a complex spirit
• Maturation: Aged for 12 years (2006-2018) in a single first-fill European oak sherry cask, allowing for intense wood interaction and flavor development
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (63.3%) without chill filtration, preserving all natural oils and flavor compounds

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Intense dried fruits, rich Christmas cake, dark chocolate, orange zest, and Highland Park’s characteristic aromatic peat smoke with heather honey undertones
• Palate: Full-bodied and powerful with layers of dried fruit, ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, dark chocolate, and caramelized orange peel, balanced by honey sweetness and subtle oak spice
• Finish: Long and warming with lingering notes of sweet smoke, dried fruit, dark chocolate, and oak spices that evolve and persist impressively

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the complex aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat to appreciate its complexity; a few drops of water can help open up additional flavor dimensions by tempering the high alcohol content
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with sea salt, rich fruit cake, blue cheese, or smoked almonds

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 63.3% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland/Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: Part of the exclusive Single Cask series, selected specifically for the Daner release

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Highland Park Single Cask represents a truly exceptional whisky experience that showcases the perfect marriage between Highland Park’s distinctive island character and the rich influence of a first-fill sherry cask.

With only a handful of bottles ever produced from this single cask, this 63.3% ABV expression represents a fleeting opportunity to own a piece of Highland Park’s illustrious distilling heritage.

As one of Scotland’s most northerly and respected distilleries, Highland Park’s rare single cask releases are sought after by collectors and connoisseurs worldwide for their uncompromising quality and authenticity.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Single cask expressions from Highland Park are consistently celebrated among whisky enthusiasts for their exceptional depth and character, earning their place in many prestigious collections.

Discerning collectors who have committed to exploring Highland Park’s single cask program consistently rank these bottlings among their most treasured whiskies.

The meticulous selection process for Highland Park’s single casks ensures that only truly outstanding barrels earn the privilege of individual bottling, guaranteeing an experience that surpasses standard releases.

From Orkney to You

Highland Park has crafted this exclusive single cask expression with the same passion and dedication they’ve maintained since 1798, offering whisky lovers a genuine taste of their centuries-old tradition.

The allure of this whisky extends beyond its exceptional taste profile to embrace the romantic story of its origins—the windswept Orkney Islands where Viking heritage and Scottish craftsmanship blend seamlessly.

By experiencing this Highland Park Single Cask Daner, you join a select community of whisky enthusiasts who treasure the authentic expressions that represent the true heart and soul of Scotland’s whisky-making tradition.