Highland Park 13 yo (2003/2016), Single Cask Dannebrog, 60.3%

Introduction

Highland Park 13 Year Old “Dannebrog” is a rare single cask expression that celebrates the historical bond between Scotland and Denmark, bottled exclusively for the Danish market in 2016 from casks distilled in 2003.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Locally grown Scottish barley and aromatic peat from the Hobbister Moor on Orkney, giving Highland Park its distinctive heathery smoke character
• Distillation process: Traditional copper pot stills with upward-sloping lyne arms, promoting Highland Park’s signature medium-bodied spirit with a balanced smoky character
• Maturation: Aged for 13 years in a single refill sherry butt, allowing the whisky to develop complexity while maintaining its distillery character
• Special techniques: Floor malting of a portion of the barley, hand-turned by maltmen, and maturation in Orkney’s cool, temperate climate which contributes to its balanced maturation

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich honey, heathery peat smoke, dried fruits, nutmeg, and warming winter spices with hints of orange peel and dark chocolate
• Palate: Full-bodied and powerful at cask strength, with layers of sweet sherry influence, vanilla toffee, ginger, cloves, and a distinctive smoky undercurrent mingled with ripe orchard fruits
• Finish: Long, warming, and complex with lingering sweet smoke, dried fruits, and subtle oak spices that slowly fade, leaving a pleasant dryness

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromas
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a few drops of spring water to open up the complex flavors; at 60.3% ABV, water can help reveal hidden nuances
• Food pairings: Danish blue cheese, dark chocolate with sea salt, smoked salmon, or traditional Danish pastries

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 60.3% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: Official Highland Park Single Cask release, selected specifically for Denmark

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Highland Park 13 Year Old “Dannebrog” represents a perfect marriage of Orcadian whisky craftsmanship and Danish heritage, resulting in a distinctive expression unlike any other Highland Park release.

As a single cask bottling with only a few hundred bottles ever produced, this 2003/2016 vintage represents a finite and diminishing resource that will never be replicated.

Coming from Highland Park, one of Scotland’s most northerly and respected distilleries with over 220 years of whisky-making expertise, this bottling carries the hallmark of authentic Orcadian whisky tradition.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Discerning whisky enthusiasts and collectors throughout Denmark have sought out this limited release, recognizing its significance as both a remarkable dram and an important collectible.

Those who have committed to exploring Highland Park’s special releases consistently acknowledge the distillery’s ability to create characterful expressions that honor historical connections.

The “Dannebrog” bottling has earned its place in Danish whisky collections as a symbol of the country’s appreciation for fine Scotch whisky and the cultural ties between the Nordic countries and Scotland.

From Orkney to Denmark

In creating this special bottling for the Danish market, Highland Park has offered a gesture of appreciation to its loyal Danish supporters, providing them exclusive access to a truly exceptional cask.

The name “Dannebrog” – referencing the Danish flag – creates an immediate emotional connection for Danish whisky lovers, symbolizing national pride within a Scottish context.

By enjoying this whisky, you join a select community of Highland Park enthusiasts who understand and celebrate the cultural bridge between Scotland and Denmark – experience this remarkable expression while the rare opportunity still exists.