Highland Park 50 yo (1968), 2020 Release, 43.8%

Introduction

Highland Park 50 Year Old represents the pinnacle of Orkney whisky craftsmanship, embodying the distillery’s 220-year heritage and uncompromising dedication to traditional methods that have remained largely unchanged since 1798.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Scottish barley and the distinctive aromatic peat from Hobbister Moor, rich in heather and ancient plant matter unique to Orkney
• Distillation process: Traditional floor maltings with aromatic peat smoke, followed by distillation in Highland Park’s distinctive copper pot stills with their unique upward tilt
• Maturation: Initial maturation in first-fill sherry seasoned European oak casks, followed by a combination of refill casks and first-fill bourbon casks for extraordinary depth and balance over 50 years
• Special techniques: Hand-turned malting floors and the distillery’s signature “high cut” during spirit distillation, preserving the heather honey character distinctive to Highland Park

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich and complex with notes of ripe black cherries, Muscovado sugar, warm toasted oak, dried autumn fruits, and a subtle background of aromatic smoke
• Palate: Surprisingly vibrant with dark chocolate, sun-dried orange peel, hints of mature oak, cloves, warming cinnamon, and distinctive heather honey sweetness balanced by gentle peat smoke
• Finish: Exceptionally long and complex, revealing layers of sweet spices, soft fruit, gentle smoke, and antique oak, with a remarkably fresh quality despite its five decades of maturation

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C) to fully appreciate the complex aromas
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn crystal whisky glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat in quiet contemplation; allow at least 15 minutes in the glass to fully develop its complex bouquet
• Food pairings: This exceptional whisky is best savored alone, though dark chocolate with 70% cocoa content can complement its depth if desired

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 43.8% ABV
• Bottle size: 700ml
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: Double Gold at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition; 97 points from Whisky Advocate; one of the highest-rated Scotch whiskies by numerous expert panels

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

Highland Park 50 Year Old stands as one of the most exceptional expressions ever released from this legendary Orkney distillery, representing a half-century of patient maturation and masterful whisky-making.

With only a handful of casks reaching this venerable age and passing the exacting standards for bottling, this 1968 vintage represents an extraordinarily rare opportunity to experience Highland Park at its absolute zenith.

Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion personally selected each cask for this historic release, applying generations of distillery knowledge to create what many critics have declared “the definitive expression of Highland Park’s distinctive island character.”

Recognition from Connoisseurs

The 50 Year Old has garnered extraordinary acclaim from the world’s most discriminating whisky experts, with Jim Murray describing it as “a whisky that changes one’s understanding of what maturation can achieve.”

Collectors and connoisseurs who have acquired previous Highland Park 50 Year Old releases consistently report them as the centerpiece of their collections, often preserving them for the most significant celebratory moments.

The exceptional critical reception extends beyond whisky specialists to luxury publications including Robb Report and Decanter, both of which have highlighted its position among the most significant spirit releases of the decade.

From Orkney’s Ancient Landscape to You

In creating the Highland Park 50 Year Old, the distillery has shared their most precious liquid treasure – casks that have been nurtured and protected by generations of stillmen and women since the late 1960s.

The remarkable harmony between Highland Park’s signature heather honey sweetness and aromatic peat smoke creates an immediate emotional connection, evoking both the rugged beauty of the Orkney landscape and the warmth of Highland hospitality.

By experiencing this exceptional whisky, you join a select community of Highland Park enthusiasts who appreciate the distillery’s unwavering commitment to traditional methods and outstanding quality – discover why this 50 Year Old represents the culmination of everything that makes Highland Park extraordinary.