Secret Orkney (HP) 14 yo (2010), Signatory – 100 Proof Edition #23 (Oloroso), 57.1%

Introduction

Secret Orkney is the market designation for the renowned Highland Park distillery, presented here through the expert cask selection of independent bottler Signatory Vintage in their prestigious 100 Proof Edition series.

Production Method

• Raw materials: Malted barley from the Scottish mainland, with a portion floor-malted and dried over Orkney peat, which contains more heather than mainland peat
• Distillation process: Traditional pot still distillation in Highland Park’s stills that contribute to the distillery’s characteristically aromatic spirit
• Maturation: 14 years in a combination of 1st and 2nd Fill Oloroso Sherry casks, allowing for complex interaction between spirit and wood from 2010 to bottling
• Special techniques: Bottled at natural cask strength (57.1%) without chill filtration or added coloring, preserving the whisky’s authentic character

Tasting Notes

• Nose: Rich dried fruits, Christmas cake, heather honey, and orange zest with subtle aromatic smoke and maritime nuances
• Palate: Robust and full-bodied with layers of dark chocolate, ginger spice, stewed fruits, and toasted oak, complemented by Highland Park’s signature honeyed character and gentle peat
• Finish: Long-lasting with warming spices, dried fruits, and a balanced smoky sweetness that gradually fades to reveal hints of sea salt and oak tannins

Recommended Serving

• Serving temperature: Room temperature (16-18°C)
• Glass recommendation: Tulip-shaped nosing glass or Glencairn whisky glass
• Serving ideas: Best enjoyed neat initially, with the option to add a few drops of spring water to open up additional aromatic compounds
• Food pairings: Dark chocolate with high cocoa content, blue cheese, dried fruits, or smoked salmon

Product Specifications

• Alcohol content: 57.1% ABV (cask strength)
• Bottle size: 70cl
• Country/Region of origin: Scotland, Orkney Islands
• Certifications/Awards: Part of Signatory’s prestigious 100 Proof Edition series (#23), a mark of exceptional cask selection

Summary

A Unique Tasting Experience

This Secret Orkney 14-year-old represents a masterful expression of Highland Park’s distinctive island character, elevated through Signatory’s meticulous cask selection.

As a limited release in the exclusive 100 Proof Edition series, this bottling offers a rare opportunity to experience Highland Park’s spirit in its purest form.

Signatory Vintage, established in 1988, has earned its reputation as one of Scotland’s most respected independent bottlers, known for releasing only the highest quality expressions.

Recognition from Connoisseurs

Whisky enthusiasts and collectors consistently seek out Signatory’s 100 Proof editions for their exceptional quality and representation of distillery character.

By adding this bottle to your collection, you’re joining discerning whisky connoisseurs who appreciate the nuanced differences between standard distillery releases and carefully selected independent bottlings.

The appreciation for Signatory’s Highland Park bottlings has grown steadily, with previous releases in this series becoming increasingly sought-after by collectors worldwide.

From Orkney’s Shores to You

Each bottle represents the culmination of Highland Park’s traditional production methods and Signatory’s dedication to preserving whisky in its most authentic form.

The rich sherry influence and balanced peat character create a familiar yet distinctive profile that resonates with both Highland Park devotees and those seeking to explore the distillery through a new lens.

Whether you’re a longtime Highland Park enthusiast or new to the world of Orkney whisky, this 100 Proof Edition offers an exceptional opportunity to experience a shared appreciation for one of Scotland’s most distinctive island malts.