Highland Park 21 yo, 2023 Release, 46%

Introduction

Highland Park 21 Year Old represents the culmination of traditional Orcadian whisky-making expertise, combining over two decades of patient maturation with the distinctive character that has made Highland Park one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish malted barley with a proportion of peated malt from the Orkney Islands, contributing to Highland Park’s signature heather-honey peat character.
• Distillation process: Double distilled in Highland Park’s traditional copper pot stills, which help create a robust yet refined spirit.
• Maturation: 21 years in a carefully selected combination of European oak sherry casks, American oak bourbon barrels, and Spanish Rioja wine casks, contributing to the whisky’s complexity and depth.
• Special techniques: Highland Park maintains its own floor maltings for a portion of its malt, and uses locally cut peat containing heather and other Orkney flora, giving their whisky a distinctive aromatic smoke character unlike mainland Scotch.

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich layers of heather honey, aromatic peat smoke, ripe red berries, dark chocolate, and gentle oak spice with hints of dried orange peel.
• Palate: Full-bodied with a velvety texture. Sweet honey and vanilla intertwine with warming spices, dried fruits, toasted oak, and subtle peat smoke. Notes of dark chocolate, cinnamon, and dried cherries develop with time.
• Finish: Long, complex, and warming with lingering notes of sweet smoke, dried fruit, and gentle spices. The influence of the different cask types creates a harmonious, multi-layered conclusion.

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to allow the full range of flavors to develop.
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped whisky glass or Glencairn glass to concentrate the aromas.
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat or with a small drop of spring water to open up additional layers of complexity. Allow to breathe for a few minutes after pouring.
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with sea salt, blue cheese such as Stilton, smoked salmon, or rich fruitcake.

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 46% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: Highland Park has consistently received recognition from major whisky competitions, with their aged expressions regularly earning gold medals at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and International Spirits Challenge.

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Highland Park 21 Year Old represents a pinnacle of Orcadian whisky-making, where time-honored traditions meet exceptional cask selection to create a truly remarkable expression.

As a limited 2023 release, this exceptional dram is produced in restricted quantities that make it increasingly sought after among collectors and connoisseurs alike.

Created by one of Scotland’s most northerly and respected distilleries, with a heritage dating back to 1798, this whisky embodies authentic Highland Park character refined through 21 years of careful maturation.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Highland Park’s aged expressions consistently receive acclaim from whisky experts worldwide, with this 21 Year Old continuing the distillery’s tradition of excellence.

Dedicated enthusiasts who appreciate Highland Park’s distinctive style will find this 21 Year Old a natural progression and worthy addition to their collection.

The balanced integration of sherry, bourbon and Rioja cask influences demonstrates the mastery of Highland Park’s whisky makers, earning respect from both critics and consumers.

From Orkney to You

By selecting this exceptional 21 Year Old expression, you’re experiencing the gift of over two decades of careful nurturing by Highland Park’s skilled craftspeople.

The distinctive character of this whisky reflects the rugged beauty of its island home, appealing to those who appreciate authentic provenance and a sense of place in their spirits.

Becoming part of the Highland Park community means joining a centuries-old tradition of appreciating exceptional whisky that connects enthusiasts around the world – discover this remarkable dram while the limited 2023 release is still available.