Highland Park 15 yo, Viking Heart, 44% (ceramics)

Introduction

Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart represents the distinctive character and proud Norse heritage of Orkney, crafted by Scotland’s northernmost distillery with reverence for both tradition and innovation.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish barley and the uniquely aromatic Orkney peat, which is rich in heather and imparts a distinctive sweet smoke character
• Distillation process: Traditional Scottish pot still distillation with Highland Park’s characteristic slow distillation that enhances flavor development
• Maturation: Predominantly aged in first-fill European oak sherry seasoned casks, with a proportion of refill casks to create balance and complexity over 15 years
• Special techniques: Hand-turned floor maltings for a portion of the barley, using the distinctive heather-rich Orkney peat for smoking

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Aromatic peat smoke and sweet heather honey, with rich fruitcake, marzipan, and hints of cinnamon and nutmeg spice
• Palate: Creamy vanilla custard, honey-glazed pineapple, warm cinnamon baked apples, and a subtle trace of aromatic peat
• Finish: Medium to long finish with lingering wood smoke, gentle vanilla, and a delicate floral sweetness

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn to concentrate the aromatics
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a small drop of still water to release additional flavor complexity
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate, blue cheese, smoked salmon, or rich fruitcake complement the whisky’s character

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 44% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: San Francisco World Spirits Competition Gold Medal winner; part of Highland Park’s acclaimed Viking Legend series

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart embodies the distinctive character that can only come from Scotland’s northernmost distillery, where the wild Orkney climate and heather-rich peat create an inimitable flavor profile.

This exceptional expression is released in limited quantities each year, with the ceramic vessel itself being a collector’s item inspired by ancient earthenware vessels found in the Orkney Islands.

Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion personally oversees the selection of each cask that contributes to this prestigious 15-year-old expression, ensuring that every bottle meets Highland Park’s exacting standards.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart has earned admiration from whisky aficionados worldwide, with expert critics consistently praising its perfect balance of sweet Orkney peat, rich sherry influence, and subtle spice.

Whisky enthusiasts who appreciate the distinctive Highland Park character often make this 15-year-old expression a permanent fixture in their collections, recognizing its position as the perfect middle ground between the 12 and 18-year-old expressions.

Its consistent recognition at international spirits competitions reinforces its status as a benchmark for excellence in sherry-matured peated single malt whisky.

From Orkney’s Ancient Shores to You

Each bottle of Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart represents a gift of time and tradition from the dedicated craftspeople of Orkney, who have maintained their traditional floor malting and slow distillation techniques for over two centuries.

The distinctive ceramic vessel, inspired by ancient Viking pottery found on Orkney, creates an immediate connection to the island’s rich Norse heritage that remains evident in local culture to this day.

By enjoying Highland Park 15 Year Old Viking Heart, you join a community of discerning whisky lovers who value authenticity, heritage, and exceptional craftsmanship – experience this remarkable whisky and discover why Highland Park remains one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries.