Highland Park: The Spirit Of OrkneyHighland Park Is A Renowned

Highland Park is a renowned single malt Scotch whisky distillery with a rich history and a distinctive character, firmly rooted in its unique Orkney Islands location.

I’m your host, KAD, and I’ve been slinging drinks and navigating the world of hospitality for over two decades.
The past 15 years, I’ve perfected my bartending skills, experimented with countless flavor combinations, and learning a thing or two about how to keep the party going behind the bar.

Whether you’re a seasoned bartender like me just looking for some fresh inspiration or a complete beginner who is eager to whip up impressive cocktails at home, Shake, Sip, Serve is here to be your guide.

In the below blog, I’ll be sharing my knowledge and experience on everything from classic cocktails and innovative new creations to essential bartending techniques and industry secrets. I’ll also be offering tips on stocking your home bar, mastering the art of presentation, and creating a memorable experience for your guests.

So, grab your shaker, dust off your favorite glassware, and get ready to embark on a delicious journey into the world of bartending!
Let’s Shake, Sip, and Serve up something amazing together.

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Highland Park is a renowned single malt Scotch whisky distillery with a rich history and a distinctive character, firmly rooted in its unique Orkney Islands location. Often lauded for its balanced profile of delicate smoke, heather honey, and sherry fruit, it offers a captivating experience for whisky enthusiasts.

A Legacy Born of Smuggling

Highland Park’s story is as colourful as the Orkney landscape itself. Founded in 1798, its origins are intertwined with the legendary Magnus “Mansie” Eunson, a church beadle and notorious illicit distiller and smuggler. Legend has it that Eunson, a man of God by day and whisky renegade by night, would hide his illegal spirits under the pulpit. While he was eventually caught, his entrepreneurial spirit laid the groundwork for what would become one of Scotland’s most respected distilleries.

The distillery received its official license in 1826 and has since grown to become one of the most globally recognised Scotch distilleries, though it remains one of only a handful that still perform their own on-site malting, turning barley by hand. This dedication to traditional methods, combined with the unique Orkney environment, is key to its distinctive flavour.

The Influence of Orkney: Peat, Climate, and Casks

Highland Park’s character is inextricably linked to its Orcadian home.

Heather Peat: Unlike the more medicinal or tarry peat found in Islay whiskies, Highland Park uses peat sustainably sourced from Hobbister Moor, just seven miles from the distillery. This peat, rich in heather, imparts a subtle, aromatic smoke that is a signature of Highland Park – a delicate complement rather than an overpowering force. About 20% of the barley used is malted on-site using this heathered peat smoke.
Temperate Climate: The Orkney Islands, far from the Scottish mainland at a latitude similar to the southern tip of Greenland, experience a remarkably temperate climate. This relatively consistent temperature throughout the year provides ideal conditions for whisky maturation, allowing the spirit to interact slowly and harmoniously with the wood.
Sherry-Seasoned Casks: A crucial element of Highland Park’s flavour profile comes from its meticulous cask management. The distillery is renowned for its commitment to using only the finest quality sherry-seasoned oak casks, primarily Oloroso sherry casks made from both European and American oak. These casks contribute significantly to the whisky’s rich colour, dried fruit notes, and complex sweetness.

Tasting Notes: A Symphony of Flavours

Highland Park whiskies are often described as having a harmonious balance of sweet, smoky, and fruity notes. While each expression has its own nuances, common characteristics include:

Nose: Often fresh, clean, and aromatic with floral notes, heather honey, light peat smoke, citrus (orange, grapefruit), and sometimes hints of dried fruits (figs, raisins).
Palate: Typically full-bodied and complex, with a beautiful interplay of honey sweetness, toffee, dried fruits, gentle spices (cinnamon, clove, nutmeg), and the signature heather peat smoke that is well-integrated and not overwhelming. There can be notes of toasted oak, vanilla, and sometimes a subtle saltiness.
Finish: Generally long and lingering, with continued notes of smoke, honey, spice, and dried fruit, often with a pleasant warmth.

Popular Expressions and Their Nuances:

Highland Park 10 Year Old (Viking Scars): An entry-level expression often showcasing vibrant citrus, vanilla, and a hint of peppery spice alongside soft heather peat.
Highland Park 12 Year Old (Viking Honour): Widely considered a benchmark for the distillery. It’s spicy, citrusy, and full of aromatic smoke, with notes of creamy Manuka honey and a pleasant depth.
Highland Park 15 Year Old (Viking Heart): Often praised for its value, offering more richness and complexity than the 12-year-old, with pronounced dark fruit and spice alongside the subtle smoke.
Highland Park 18 Year Old (Viking Pride): A highly acclaimed expression, known for its refined character, with deeper notes of dried fruits, chocolate, nuts, and a beautifully integrated smoky backbone. It’s considered a benchmark for mature single malts.
Older and Limited Releases: Highland Park also produces a range of older age statements (21, 25, 30, 40, 50 years old) and special limited editions, which showcase even greater complexity, depth, and unique cask influences. These often delve into more pronounced notes of leather, old oak, and intense fruit.

Highland Park in Australia

Highland Park whiskies are readily available across Australia through major liquor retailers and specialist whisky shops. Prices vary significantly depending on the expression and age statement.

Highland Park 10 Year Old: Generally under AUD $100.
Highland Park 12 Year Old: Typically ranges from AUD $100 – $120.
Highland Park 15 Year Old: Can be found around AUD $180 – $200.
Highland Park 18 Year Old: Often priced between AUD $250 – $350.
Older and Collector Editions: Prices escalate significantly for older age statements and limited releases, reaching into the thousands of dollars for rare bottlings.

Highland Park Whisky Sour (Australian Measurements)

This recipe uses Highland Park Scotch to create a smoky and complex twist on the classic Whisky Sour.

Ingredients:

60 ml Highland Park 12 Year Old (or your preferred Highland Park expression)
30 ml Fresh Lemon Juice
20 ml Simple Syrup (or to taste)
1 Egg White (optional, for a richer texture)
2-3 dashes Angostura Bitters
Lemon wedge or orange peel, for garnish

Method:

Combine: Add the Highland Park, lemon juice, simple syrup, and egg white (if using) to a cocktail shaker.
Dry Shake (Optional): If using egg white, shake vigorously without ice for about 15 seconds to emulsify the egg white.
Add Ice: Add ice to the shaker.
Shake Again: Shake well until the shaker is well-chilled, about 15-20 seconds.
Double Strain: Double strain the mixture into a chilled rocks glass or coupe glass (to remove any ice shards and create a smoother texture).
Add Bitters: Gently float 2-3 dashes of Angostura bitters on top of the foam (if using egg white).
Garnish: Garnish with a lemon wedge or orange peel.

Highland Park stands as a testament to tradition, location, and meticulous craftsmanship, offering a unique and consistently rewarding single malt experience. Its balance of subtle smoke, honeyed sweetness, and sherry fruit makes it a highly regarded choice among whisky connoisseurs worldwide.

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Liquor & Gaming NSW: This website provides information on liquor licensing, responsible service of alcohol (RSA) training, and regulations for serving alcohol in NSW. It’s essential for anyone working in the hospitality industry in NSW. You can find it here: https://www.liquorandgaming.nsw.gov.au/