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Highland Park: The Orkney Legend of Balanced Perfection

Highland Park stands apart with its unique Orkney heritage, deeply rooted in Nordic and Viking history. It stands apart with its unique Orkney heritage, heather-infused peat, and sherry-seasoned oak casks. Known for its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and spicy flavors, this award-winning single malt embodies tradition, craftsmanship, and the untamed spirit of Scotland’s northernmost distillery.

The Bold Beginnings of Highland Park

Highland Park’s story begins in 1798 with Magnus “Mansie” Eunson—a man of both faith and rebellion. By day, he was a church beadle; by night, a whisky smuggler hiding bottles beneath the pulpit. But his passion for crafting exceptional whisky soon led him to secure a legal license, marking the official birth of Highland Park.

From that moment, Highland Park has followed its own path. Rooted in tradition yet driven by a spirit of innovation, the distillery continues to use Orkney’s rare heathered peat—a key ingredient that gives its whisky its signature soft smokiness.

Over 200 years later, Highland Park remains committed to craftsmanship. While the world has changed, its dedication to creating world-class whisky has never wavered.

Nordish and Viking Heritage: The Soul of Highland Park

Highland Park isn’t just about whisky—it’s about history, legend, and a legacy deeply rooted in Norse mythology and Viking heritage. From its origins in Orkney, a land once ruled by Vikings, Highland Park embraces these ancient influences in both its craftsmanship and storytelling. Each collection pays tribute to Norse gods, legendary sagas, and the elemental forces that shaped Viking culture, creating whiskies that are as rich in myth as they are in flavor.

Take the Valhalla Collection, for example. This limited series celebrates Norse gods like Thor, Loki, and Freya, capturing their fierce spirit in rich, complex whiskies. The Inga Saga Trilogy and Fire & Ice Collection continue this storytelling, blending history with craftsmanship. Even the bottle designs reflect Viking artistry, featuring intricate carvings and symbols.

By honoring its past, Highland Park creates more than whisky—it builds a lasting connection to the legends that shaped its homeland. Every sip is a taste of history, adventure, and Nordic pride.

What is Highland Park’s Most Expensive Bottle?

The most exclusive and expensive Highland Park whisky is the Highland Park 54 Years Old, the oldest and rarest in their collection. Distilled in 1968 and limited to just 225 bottles, this masterpiece is a testament to Highland Park’s craftsmanship. With an alluring aroma and refined complexity, it’s an experience like no other. Available on Spiritory, this 700ml whisky (46.9% ABV) is priced at €53,644 EUR.

Highland Park’s Signature Selections

Truly, Highland Park can be very expensive but it’s not just a collector’s gem it also offers great taste to those who love whisky. Each bottle tells a story of Orkney—its windswept landscapes, ancient traditions, and the delicate smoky aroma that sets Highland Park apart. Whether you’re a first-time taster or a longtime fan, there’s a dram waiting for you.

Highland Park Valhalla Collection: A Tribute to Norse Legends

The Valhalla Collection is one of Highland Park’s most iconic series, inspired by the powerful gods of Norse mythology. Each release is crafted to reflect the character and spirit of its namesake, combining bold flavors with Highland Park’s signature balance. The collection also stands out for its striking wooden packaging, shaped like a Viking longship.

- Highland Park 16 Years Old Odin Valhalla Collection – The Allfather Bottled in 2015, this whisky channels Odin’s wisdom and strength with deep layers of dried fruit, dark chocolate, and intense smoke, finishing at a robust 55.8% ABV.

- Highland Park 15 Years Old Loki Valhalla Collection – The Trickster God Released in 2013, Loki’s unpredictable nature comes to life in this whisky’s shifting profile—starting with sweet vanilla and citrus before revealing warming spice and peat at 48.7% ABV last sold at €296 EUR.

These legendary releases are available now on Spiritory.

Highland Park 10 Years Old

If you're new to Highland Park, start with the** Highland Park 10 Years Old**. This whisky celebrates Orkney’s Viking heritage, blending smooth honey, citrus, and gentle peat smoke. Originally part of the core range, it was rebranded in 2017 as "Viking Scars", featuring an embossed bottle inspired by Norse legends.

For a classic option, the Highland Park Viking Scars edition (700ml, 40% ABV) is a great choice. It delivers a smoky-sweet character with hints of vanilla and cloves. The last recorded sale was €34 EUR. For something bolder, the Rebus30 edition (40% ABV) delivers earthy sweetness, while the Ambassador’s Choice (46% ABV) provides full-bodied depth. This special release was last sold for €40 at Spiritory.

Highland Park 12 Years Old

A true fan favorite since the 1970s, Highland Park 12 Years Old is all about balance—peat smoke, honey, and sherry sweetness working in perfect harmony. In 2017, it was rebranded as Viking Honour, a nod to Orkney’s legendary past. Smooth, approachable, and packed with character, it’s a steal at €35 EUR.

Looking for something bolder? The Orkneyinga Legacy (46% ABV) offers a refined richness for €229 EUR. Rare editions like the Sunset Bottle and St Magnus Festival 2006 (both 40% ABV) showcase Highland Park’s craftsmanship, delivering that signature smoky-sweet experience.

Highland Park 15 Years Old

Originally a travel retail exclusive, Highland Park 15 Years Old disappeared in 2016—only to return in 2021 as Viking Heart. Housed in a striking ceramic bottle with intricate Norse designs, it stays true to Highland Park’s heritage while offering a fresh take on its classic flavors.

The Highland Park Viking Heart edition (700ml, 44% ABV) layers crème brûlée, heather honey, and gentle smoke for €91 EUR—a must-have for any collection. Another bottle for this collection is Highland Park 15 Years Old Private Bottling reflects tradition and exclusivity last sold at €81 EUR.

Highland Park 18 Years Old

Highland Park 18 Years Old is a whisky that embodies tradition, craftsmanship, and the rich heritage of Orkney. Originally launched in the late 1990s, it quickly gained recognition for its deep complexity and smooth balance of smoke, honey, and spice. In 2017, it was rebranded as Viking Pride, featuring a striking Norse-inspired design that reflects the brand’s Nordic roots.

For collectors and whisky lovers, Highland Park offers several rare editions. Highland Park 18 Years Old The Lunar Bottling delivers a finely tuned strength of 45.1% ABV with multi-layered aromas at €403 EUR. The Highland Park 18 Years Old design captures the essence of its 2006 bottling with subtle smoke and rich fruit notes priced at €317 EUR. The Icon of Whisky Award edition is a tribute to Highland Park’s excellence, featuring flavors of dark chocolate and ripe fruit. Highland Park 18 Years Old Orcadian Fire (2011) boasts a deep, smoky profile with balanced sweetness.

Highland Park 21 Years Old

Aged to perfection, Highland Park 21 Years Old first hit the scene in 2007, with multiple releases showcasing unique cask selections. In 2019, the ABV was increased from 40% to 46.5%, adding even more depth and complexity. Each annual release is crafted from a blend of sherry-seasoned, bourbon, and Rioja casks, creating a rich, layered profile.

For those looking to indulge, the Highland Park 21 Years Old 2022 Release (700ml, 46% ABV) offers a refined balance of sweet toffee, roasted nuts, and gentle peat smoke for €308 EUR. For something ultra-rare, the Highland Park 21 Years Old 1984 The Ambassadors Cask No.43 (700ml, 56.1% ABV) delivers deep fruit, maritime notes, and a lingering smoky finish.

Highland Park 25 Years Old

For those seeking the pinnacle of craftsmanship, Highland Park 25 Years Old delivers unmatched depth and complexity. First released in 1998, this whisky has earned a reputation as one of the distillery’s finest expressions. The 2019 edition, carefully crafted by Master Whisky Maker Gordon Motion, came from fewer than 20 meticulously selected casks.

At Spiritory, you’ll find three exclusive editions. The Highland Park 25 Years Old Single Malt Whisky ( 700ml, 48.1% ABV) delivers notes of peated malt, vanilla, and aromatic spices. The Spring 2019 Release (700ml, 46% ABV) is a collector’s favorite, last sold for €364 EUR. For something exceptionally rare, the Highland Park 25 Years Old Dumpy (700ml, 53.5% ABV) offers incredible depth and intensity.

Highland Park 30 Years Old

Time, patience, and mastery come together in Highland Park 30 Years Old, a whisky that embodies Orkney’s rugged beauty and rich Norse heritage. The 2019 release, curated by Gordon Motion, was drawn from fewer than 20 casks laid down by John Robertson. The 2024 edition continued this legacy, featuring just eight casks from 1990 to 1992.

Spiritory offers three must-have editions:

Highland Park 54 Years Old

If you’re looking for the pinnacle of Highland Park’s craftsmanship, the Highland Park 54 Years Old is the ultimate choice. Crafted from ten refill casks from 1968, this whisky was released in 2023 to celebrate Highland Park’s 225-year history. With only 225 bottles in existence, it’s among the most exclusive whiskies ever produced. Its design, inspired by Orkney’s Yesnaby cliffs, pays tribute to the island’s rugged beauty.

You can find the Highland Park 54 Years Old (700ml, 46.9% ABV) on Spiritory for €53,644. This ultra-rare whisky offers a luxurious experience, with layers of ripe fruit, soft smoke, and warming spice.

Highland Park Warrior Series

Launched in 2013, Highland Park Warrior Series celebrates Orkney’s deep Viking heritage with six whiskies, each named after a legendary Norse figure. These expressions highlight the influence of cask selection, with the premium editions featuring richer sherry oak maturation.

Here’s the full lineup, now available on Spiritory:

Named after a fearless Viking chieftain, this whisky offers a sweet and smoky profile, making it an approachable introduction to the series.

  • Highland Park Warrior Series Einar (40% ABV, 700ml)

A bold and robust whisky with smoky and spicy notes, honoring the legendary warrior Einar.

A tribute to King Harald, this whisky balances sweet and spicy flavors and is priced at €50.

A rich and complex expression, matured in sherry-seasoned oak casks, selling for €258.

A luxurious whisky with dried fruit and spice layers, named after a famous explorer, available for €335.

The pinnacle of the series, offering a deep, refined profile from premium cask maturation, priced at €907.

From the approachable Svein to the top-tier Thorfinn, the Warrior Series showcases the mastery of Highland Park’s cask selection.

Highland Park Single Cask Series

These Highland Park Single Cask Series showcase the individuality of each barrel, influenced by time, oak, and Orkney’s rugged climate. With high ABVs and deep, complex flavors, each whisky in this series offers an unforgettable tasting experience for collectors and enthusiasts alike.

Notable releases include the Highland Park 13 Years Old 2006 ERDA Single Cask Nr. 6394 bottled in 2020 at 58.7% ABV, delivering bold flavors with a rich heritage. The Highland Park 2003 Single Cask Nr. 3542, aged for 16 years and bottled in 2019 at 59.6% ABV, offers remarkable depth and intensity. Meanwhile, the Highland Park 9 Years Old 2010 Single Cask Nr. 2051 stands out with its impressive 63.7% ABV, providing a powerful yet balanced profile.

Highland Park Fire & Ice Edition

The Highland Park Fire & Ice Edition is inspired by Norse mythology, representing the elemental forces of fire and ice. These limited-edition releases pay tribute to the legendary realms of Muspelheim and Niflheim, balancing warmth and cold in every sip.

The Highland Park 15 Years Old Fire Edition, released in 2016, symbolizes the fiery land of Muspelheim. Aged in refill port wine-seasoned casks, it delivers bold notes of dried fruit, spice, and gentle smoke. The Highland Park 17 Years Old Ice Edition, also from 2016, represents the frozen world of Niflheim. Matured in ex-bourbon casks, it brings bright citrus, vanilla, and smoky sweetness at 53.9% ABV.

Highland Park Inga Saga Trilogy

The Highland Park Inga Saga Trilogy celebrates Orkney’s Viking heritage, honoring historical figures tied to power, betrayal, and legacy. Each whisky is crafted with Highland Park’s signature heather-infused peat and sherry-seasoned oak casks, delivering bold and complex flavors inspired by the Viking age.

Named after Saint Magnus, a noble Viking ruler known for his wisdom and tragic fate, this whisky balances smoky peat, sweet oak, and maritime air. Last sold for €235 (52.6% ABV).

- Highland Park 12 Years Old Saint Magnus Inga Saga Trilogy - Edition Two

A tribute to Magnus’s sainthood, this edition offers layered spice, dried fruit, and rich complexity.

Dedicated to the ruthless Earl Haakon, who seized power through betrayal, this whisky delivers deep smoke, spice, and a long, bold finish. It was sold for €457 EUR.

Highland Park Popular Releases

Highland Park Valknut Viking Legend

Part of the Viking Legend Series, Highland Park Valknut Viking Legend was bottled in 2018. Inspired by Norse mythology, this 46.8% ABV whisky delivers bold flavors of sweet malt, warm spices, and light smoke, leading to a long and satisfying finish. Priced at €96 EUR, it’s a worthy addition to any whisky collection.

Highland Park Drakkar

Released in 2011, Highland Park Drakkar (40% ABV, 1000ml) presents a well-balanced blend of sweet malt, gentle smoke, and a touch of sea salt. This smooth yet complex whisky is available for €75 EUR, making it an excellent choice for those who appreciate Highland Park’s signature style.

Highland Park The Dolphins 2nd Release

Created in partnership with the Royal Navy, this 2018 release is a tribute to strength and tradition. Highland Park The Dolphins 2nd Release was bottled at 40% ABV in a 700ml bottle, it delivers a rich mix of sweet malt, oak, and subtle smoke. Whisky lovers can enjoy this unique expression for €75 EUR.

Highland Park RNLI Lifeboat Stromness

This limited edition celebrates 150 years of RNLI service in Stromness. Bottled at a powerful 55.9% ABV, this 700ml whisky bursts with bold spice, rich sweetness, and the signature Highland Park smokiness. With its exceptional depth, Highland Park RNLI Lifeboat Stromness release is priced at €181 EUR.

Highland Park Orkney Rowing Club

Paying homage to Orkney’s maritime spirit, this exclusive release boasts a 58% ABV. Inside the 700ml bottle, you’ll find a deep, complex whisky with layers of smoke, spice, and a hint of sea air. Highland Park Orkney Rowing Club is a true collector’s gem, available for €115 EUR.

is Highland Park’s Cheapest Bottle?

For an affordable yet high-quality option, Highland Park 12 Years Old is your best bet. Priced at just €35 EUR, it’s the most budget-friendly Highland Park whisky on Spiritory. With a 40% ABV, it delivers exceptional flavor at an accessible price, making it a great entry point for whisky lovers.

Highland Park’s Inner Circle

Highland Park offers more than just exceptional whisky, it invites you to be part of its Inner Circle, a global community of whisky lovers. Members enjoy exclusive benefits, including access to rare and limited-edition releases, early access to new bottlings, and invitations to special events. You'll also receive subscriber-only content that gives deeper insights into Highland Park's Orkney home and whisky-making traditions. Join the Highland Park Inner Circle and experience the warmth, flavor, and community spirit that define this iconic brand.

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Highland Park is a single malt Scotch whisky from Orkney, Scotland. It is crafted using traditional methods, featuring a balance of heathered peat smoke, honeyed sweetness, and rich spices, making it a favorite among whisky lovers.

No, Highland Park is owned by Edrington Group, the same company that owns Macallan. However, they operate separately, with Highland Park focusing on Orkney’s unique peat, sherry-seasoned oak casks, and traditional whisky-making techniques.

Highland Park whisky offers a balanced mix of smoky, sweet, and spicy notes. Expect flavors of heather honey, dried fruit, warm spices, and a gentle peat smoke, all influenced by Orkney’s wild climate and sherry-seasoned casks.