The Highland Park Distillery
Highland Park 18
Highland Park 18 Year Old represents The Highland Park Distillery's mastery of balanced single malt whisky, combining elegant Orcadian peat smoke with rich sherry cask maturation in an acclaimed 18-year-old expression.
Country
United Kingdom
Region
Highland
More information
Producer
Highland Park is a single malt Scotch whisky distillery located in Kirkwall on the Orkney Islands, Scotland. Widely believed to have been founded in 1798, it is one of Scotland's oldest distilleries and among the most northerly in the country. The distillery is renowned for its balanced Orcadian style, combining gentle peat smoke with heather honey sweetness, sherry cask maturation and maritime influence that has made Highland Park one of the world's most respected whisky producers.
Quick Facts
- Country: Scotland
- Region: Kirkwall, Orkney Islands
- Orkney Single Malt Scotch Whisky
- Classification: N/A
- Style: Orcadian single malt with balanced peat smoke and sherry cask maturation
- Destillery Size: N/A
- Founded: 1798 (widely believed)
- Owner: Edrington Group
- Primary Whisky: Highland Park 18 Year Old
- Ageing Potential: indefinitely
- Investment Grade: Yes
- Consumer Profile: Whisky enthusiasts, collectors, fine spirits connoisseurs, luxury consumers
History and Heritage
Every expression begins with traditional floor malting, where a portion of the barley is still hand-turned and dried over peat cut from the distillery's own Hobbister Moor, contributing a distinctive aromatic smoke character. The distillery's coastal location and cool maritime climate allow for slow, refined maturation in carefully selected European and American oak sherry casks, which contribute remarkable depth, spice and dried fruit complexity to the whisky. Highland Park's commitment to using only the finest sherry-seasoned oak has become central to its house style and reputation among collectors and connoisseurs.
Distillery and Craft
The portfolio includes celebrated expressions such as Highland Park 12 Year Old, 18 Year Old, 25 Year Old and the Viking-inspired series including Valkyrie, Valknut and Valfather, alongside limited editions that showcase the distillery's versatility and craftsmanship. Rich honeyed malt, subtle peat smoke, dark chocolate, dried fruit and warming spice define the signature Highland Park character across the range. Consistently acclaimed by whisky writers and enthusiasts, the distillery remains a benchmark for balanced, complex island single malt and one of the most collectible producers in Scotland.
Explore every The Highland Park Distillery release and expression, compare prices from trusted merchants across Europe and discover the best offers with Sipfind.
Country
Region
Highland
Highland is one of the most respected whisky-producing regions in Scotland and covers the vast northern mainland from the Speyside border to the northernmost reaches of the country. Encompassing an extraordinarily diverse landscape of mountains, coastlines and glens, the region combines centuries of distilling tradition with exceptional natural resources, producing single malt Scotch whiskies of remarkable variety and character. Highland's sheer geographical scale ensures that no single house style defines the region, making it one of Scotland's most fascinating whisky territories.
The Highland climate varies significantly across the region, from maritime influences along the western and northern coasts to more continental conditions inland. Distilleries draw water from mountain springs, peat bogs and coastal streams, each contributing distinct mineral qualities and character. This diversity of water sources, combined with varying production methods and maturation practices, creates an unparalleled range of flavour profiles within a single region.
Highland whiskies are renowned for their complexity and depth, ranging from delicate floral expressions to rich, full-bodied malts with honeyed sweetness, dried fruit and subtle peat smoke. Distinguished distilleries including Dalmore, Glenmorangie, Oban, Clynelish and Old Pulteney each showcase unique interpretations of Highland character, from sherried richness to coastal salinity. This breadth of style has made Highland whisky a benchmark for exploring the diversity of Scotch single malt.
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Grapes
History and Style
Highland Park 18 Year Old is a distinguished core range single malt from The Highland Park Distillery, one of Scotland's most northerly distilleries located on the Orkney Islands. This 18-year-old expression showcases the distillery's signature house style, marrying subtle Orcadian peat smoke with the depth and complexity that comes from extended maturation in hand-selected sherry-seasoned oak casks.
Quick Facts
- Country: Scotland
- Style: Balanced, elegant single malt with subtle peat and sherry influence
- Alcohol (ABV): 43%
- Tasting Profile: Dried fruit, heather honey, aromatic peat smoke, dark chocolate, warming spice, orange peel
- Food Pairing: Dark chocolate, mature cheddar, smoked salmon, shortbread
- Consumer Profile: Whisky enthusiasts, collectors, premium gifting, connoisseurs seeking balanced complexity
- Age Statement: 18 Years
- Release Type: Core Range
Distillery and Production
The Highland Park Distillery has been producing whisky since 1798, drawing on the unique terroir of Orkney where maritime influences, cool maturation conditions, and locally sourced peat create a distinctive character. The distillery maintains traditional floor maltings and uses a carefully controlled peating level that provides aromatic complexity without overwhelming the spirit's inherent elegance. Their commitment to sherry cask maturation, using both American and European oak, adds layers of richness and fruit-forward complexity.
Character and Style
Highland Park 18 delivers a sophisticated tasting profile characterized by notes of dried fruit, heather honey, aromatic peat smoke, dark chocolate, and warming spice. The extended maturation period allows for exceptional integration and depth, with a smooth, lingering finish. This expression has earned numerous accolades and is widely considered one of the finest examples of balanced, age-statement single malt Scotch whisky available in the core range segment.
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