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.