Highland Park 2005 Whiskyland Chapter Sixteen 20 yo

 

 

 

55,5°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill and 1st Fill Sherry Hogsheads 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

It’s rare that a Whiskyland Chapter isn’t a Single Cask, but it happens. As in this case, where we are dealing with the blending of a Refill Hogshead distilled in 1997 and a 1st Fill Sherry Hogshead distilled in 2005. Which means that one part of the product is 20 years old, but the other is 28. Moreover, Sherry should be measured under these conditions, and enrich the distillate rather than dominate it. 332 bottles came out of this marriage. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Nose old school Sherry, very balanced, with a light granular peat, gravel and smoke, heather and cereals. Dried apricots, blood oranges, leather and hay, caramelized nuts. Discreet iodine, some sea spray. Waxy lemon, floral honey, melted butter, a square of dark chocolate. On the palate, it is smooth, silky, very elegant woodiness, toasted fruits, mirabelles and greengages, brown tobacco, dried figs, liquorice, then a layer of moist peat. Cloves, a pinch of pepper. Finally a very long finish, just powerful enough, sandalwood, cooked mushrooms, soy sauce, wood shavings soaked in onion jam. 

 

In Short, 

Superb Highland Park where the sherry and distillate offer a magnificent balance, with some nuances of Bourbon. I have a soft spot for this distillery and I can say that here it’s perfect, there is everything a fan can dream of. The price is unfortunately very high, but I have to say that it’s understandable. 

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Maia and the Squires - 451 

Highland Park 2005 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength 20 yo

 

 

 

59,7°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

After Pulteney, Highland Park. We’re still in the far north of the British Isles, and we’ve even left the mainland behind. Here we have a first-fill sherry butt that was left to mature for 20 years before pouring out the equivalent of 632 bottles. It was released last year to mark Gordon & MacPhail’s 130th anniversary. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Light, grainy peat and airy iodine. Pulpy yellow fruits and biscuit dough mixed with cereals. Dried apricots, heather honey, mandarin zest and a dash of vanilla. A few spices and sea spray, cinnamon, cardamom, raisins. On the palate, it’s very velvety, though just a tad drying, stiffly whipped egg whites, custard, woody and peppery notes, juicy Reine-Claude plums, almost candied. A very long, explosive finish, shortbread biscuits, a pinch of salt, a touch of minerality, a mint leaf and banana purée. Ginger. 

 

In Short, 

Here’s one that strikes a perfect balance between the subtle influence of sherry and the distillate’s strong character, all delivered with subtlety and finesse. It’s truly a little gem if you’re a fan of heather honey and juicy fruit, but the peat is there too, with chalky and iodine-like notes, lending it a more troubled, deeper character. The price is justified given its age, but a little on the expensive side considering the quality, as it’s very well made but not quite sublime. Best bought on special offer. 

Score : 89+  

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                             Dead Gowns - Hardcore or Wellness

Orkney (HP) 2011 100 Proof Edition #58 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Amontillado Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Yet another Highland Park from the 100 Proof range, launched by Signatory Vintage in January 2024. There are seven, and this is the fifth one I’ve tasted. Contrary to what one might think, they do differ from one another, take this one, for example, which has been finished in first-fill Amontillado sherry hogsheads. However, we know nothing about the initial maturation. It’s becoming something of a trend to mention only the finish and keep quiet about the initial maturation. Even though it’s almost certainly Bourbon casks, it would be better to specify this. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A whisper of peat, raw wood, followed immediately by a mellow cloud of fruit, mirabelle plums, redcurrants, heather honey, creamy vanilla, candied apricots. A medicinal drop, turpentine, perhaps mercurochrome. A touch of iodine and sea foam. On the palate, very apricot-like, orange marmalade, then virulent spices, cloves, cumin, black pepper. A fairly long finish, though not extremely powerful, semi-salted butter, resin and runny honey, elegant oak, scrambled eggs, thyme and rosemary, vanilla ice cream.

 

In Short, 

Although the finish in Amontillado Sherry hogsheads lends a pleasant fruitiness, the rest is rather unremarkable, with a few recognisable notes from the distillery and a robust oakiness. That’s why I would have liked to know about the initial maturation, although I doubt it was in refill bourbon casks, as these failed to give this whisky sufficient personality. It’s still a pleasant and powerful product with a certain character, but there are better whiskies in this range, I can guarantee you that. 

Score : 87- 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                              To Be Listened While Sipping :  

 

                                                    Automatic - Black Box

Orkney (HP) 2011 100 Proof Edition #71 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands 

Bourbon Casks and 1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2026

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This is the 7th Orkney in the 100 Proof range launched in 2024 by Signatory Vintage, and it’s the 4th one I’ve tasted. Generally speaking, these are quite good, and they’re all aged 14 years, which is respectable. The sherry influence is always present, sometimes it’s blended with bourbon casks (100 Proof #15 and #38), and sometimes it’s exclusively sherry (100 Proof #23 and #30), but most of the time, it involves a finish in sherry casks, Amontillado (100 Proof #58), Palo Cortado (100 Proof #59), or Oloroso, as is the case here. As a result, although they all come from the same distillery, almost all of these bottlings are different, yet at the same time quite similar. This one is the most recent release, and neither the length of the finish nor the number of bottles released is known. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Warm woody notes, Swiss chocolate and brown sugar. There is some brown sugar and marzipan, a few Muscat grapes and macerated cherries, all bound together by heather honey and freshly tanned leather. A slight briny freshness, a zest of lime and grapefruit, dates, dried apricots. Warm wax. It's oily on the palate, olive oil, vituperative spices, splinters of wood under the tongue, varnish, liquid caramel, raisins, very slight bitterness. A fairly long and powerful finish, slightly charcoal-like, dark tobacco, white plums, crème brûlée, sage leaf, chlorophyll.

 

In Short, 

The sherry is still very prominent, and, although quite complex, I find it too woody. That said, I think this is a flaw that will fade with time, there are many beautiful things in this whiskey, but they’re still underlying, shy, perhaps a little aeration will give them more room to shine. You can sense the subtle influence of bourbon, especially on the finish, along with some elements of the distillery’s profile, coastal notes, though they’re very subtle. Obviously, the price is quite appealing, with this collection, it’s almost too easy to make a purchase. 

Score : 87-

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                  To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Tapper - This is The Day

Highland Park 16 yo Between You and I

 

 

 

48°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Virgin Swedish Oak, Ex-Bourbon and Sherry Seasoned Casks  

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 8 ppm 

 

 

 

Highland Park released a new limited edition last year, and for the occasion, they asked Michelin-starred chef Björn Frantzén to showcase it, which is why his name is on the box. Virgin Swedish oak casks have never been used before by the distillery, and likely by any distillery in Scotland, so it’s definitely worth a try. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

A rather warm sherry character, with a hint of mandarin and just the right amount of peat. A light, briny freshness, soft caramel, lime slices, cinnamon, and candied cherry. Hazelnuts, mint leaves, juicy peaches and pears. Spicy on the palate, slightly tangy and woody, blood orange, honeycomb, heather, banana and marzipan. Blond tobacco, dried fruits. White melon. The finish is not very strong but long, delicate charcoal notes, orange peel, limestone bubbles, melt-in-your-mouth toffee, herbaceous notes, angelica and reeds. A touch of anise.

 

 

In Short, 

I think this one is very well done, it has a distinct character thanks to the Virgin Swedish Oak Casks, but also a certain citrusy freshness, it’s almost a summer whisky despite the peat, which is actually very subtle. The only thing is that the body is a bit light, which is the only minor flaw in my opinion. The price is a bit high, though, which is a shame. If it were a few euros cheaper, I would have bought it. 

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                                 To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Band of Horses - The Funeral

Highland Park Heather

 

 

 

63,6°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill and Refill European and American Oak Oloroso Sherry Seasoned Casks 

Original Bottling 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

I was quietly waiting for Batch 6 in the Highland Park Cask Strength series, and this is what arrived instead. It’s also a limited edition, so it’s really just like Batch 6, but with a different name. It was aged exclusively in sherry casks, mostly refill casks, I’ve been told. The barley used was 100% peated, whereas normally it’s only 20%, making this a very peaty Highland Park. I’ve estimated 20 ppm, but that’s a minimum, it could be 30. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Beautiful rooty peat, earth and heather, it’s slightly fruity and floral, liquid honey, yellow plums and brown bananas, smoked mackerel, wood charred with a blowtorch. Plenty of iodine and mineral notes, along with bamboo and dark tobacco. On the palate, it’s full-bodied, maple syrup, pecans, as well as very burnt, woody, conifers, brush, a touch of herbaceousness, pungent spices. A fierce, charred finish, soot and coffee, dark chocolate, roasted chestnuts, but also long-lasting, dry earth, nutmeg, cinnamon. Red berries, a pinch of salt. 

 

In Short, 

The difference I noticed compared to the Highland Park Cask Strength series is that this one is younger and therefore less influenced by the cask. In addition, the peat is stronger, so the fruit notes are very discreet, it’s primarily stormy, smoky, and briny. It’s a vigorous Highland Park, but also austere, dark, despite the cheerful color of the packaging. I didn’t find it particularly impressive, until the finish, which is powerful yet very long, making it a good whiskey after all. The price is reasonable, at that price, it’s worth giving it a try out of sheer curiosity. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                             To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Austere - Just For a Moment...

Highland Park 2006 The Decanter Collection 18 yo

 

 

 

52°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm 

 

 

 

When this release came out a little less than two years ago, I seriously considered buying it but never actually did. It was intriguing because it was matured in hogsheads, which might lead one to believe the spirit would hold its own. On the other hand, it’s not a single cask and is diluted to 52% ABV. There’s no indication of how many bottles were released, or of the exact peat level, which can vary with this distillery. Given the uncertainty, I decided to hold off, but I’ve always wanted to taste it at least once to form my own opinion. Now I’ve finally done so. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Candied banana, then it opens up beautifully, with iodine, a hint of peat, lemon chutney, and heather, of course. Pulpy plums, candle wax, sweet potatoes, grapefruit. Subtle mineral notes. On the palate, it’s smooth and syrupy, orgeat, lychees, limoncello, clove and black pepper. A fairly long finish, very pleasant without being too powerful, shortbread, palets breton cookies, a generous pinch of coarse salt, shards of charcoal, beach sand, dried seaweed, very light woody bitterness. Kumquat.

 

In Short, 

At first I found it interesting, but not particularly moving, there was a bit too much citrus for my taste, though it was balanced by a waxy note—still, it was a bit unusual. But then the finish won me over, I found it perfect, still very citrusy, but with shortbread biscuits and a sea breeze that came together beautifully. All in all, I think there are a few minor flaws, but it’s still a good product, though a bit pricey. There are better things from the same distillery, but they aren’t necessarily any easier to find. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                            To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                               Them - Find the Time

Orkney Sponge 2005 Edition 002 16 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill Hogshead 

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

In the early 20th century, there was a distillery on the main island of the Orkney archipelago, located in the town of Stromness and bearing the same name. It closed in 1928, almost a hundred years ago. It produced a whisky marketed under the name Old Orkney, and it is to this that Angus MacRaild wishes to pay tribute with his Old Orkney range, which he also occasionally refers to as Orkney Sponge. Eleven Old Orkney whiskies have been launched by Decadent Drinks, and this is the second. Having spent 16 years in a single Refill Hogshead, it yielded 341 bottles. It is not Cask Strength, it has been slightly diluted. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Orange peel and juicy grapefruit, slices of lime, lemon cake, there’s plenty of citrus here. Intense yellow fruits, gently weathered wood, thick honey, a hint of peat, liquorice stick, a few mirabelle plums and Reine-Claude plums. Ripe apricots, bananas, a trace of exotic fruits. Light mineral notes, but becoming increasingly pronounced. On the palate, a dash of creamy vanilla, brioche, rum baba, more citrus, rather pleasant spices, cinnamon and benzoin. A long, powerful, explosive finish, candied fruit, shortbread biscuits, cooked egg yolk, a pinch of salt, quartz.

 

In Short, 

A very fruity, very citrusy Highland Park, with a slight patina and very subtle peat. I didn’t find it particularly well-balanced, it seemed to me that the fruit was a bit overpowering. But it’s a good whisky, intense, full of character, not quite as ‘old school’ as the marketing claims, I actually find it quite modern. Unfortunately, it’s sold out everywhere, which is a shame as the launch price wasn’t bad. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           The Black Maze - Love

An Orkney Distillery 2005 The Dava Way 17 yo

 

 

 

60,3°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By The Dava Way 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

The Dava Way is a 38 km (24 miles) long-distance path that mostly follows the route of the former Highland Railway between Grantown and Forres. It is also the name of this Scottish independent bottler which was created in 2022. To date, they have produced around fifteen bottlings, including this 17-year-old Orkney, which is actually a Highland Park, with an easily recognisable profile. Drawn from a single Hogshead, 300 bottles were filled. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

On the nose, light and grainy peat, citrus fruits rubbed with butter, beeswax, egg yolk, pineapple, lemon, mirabelle plums, wildflower honey. It is mellow, brioche, vanilla, and even coconut, lychee, almond paste, and a few very subtle mineral notes. Iodine freshness. On the palate, the honey is more intense, it's floral, gourmand, then peppery, warm, woody, liquorice, macerated grapes, cherries in brandy. Very long and powerful finish, melon, prickly pear, orange zest, olive oil. A pinch of salt. Sweet smoothness at the very end.

In Short, 

I was impressed by the nose, with its distinctive, buttery, honeyed character, which is very pleasant. The rest is very good, especially the finish, which seems to go on forever. This is a very good whisky that all Highland Park enthusiasts should get their hands on. Unfortunately, it is not available in France, and even elsewhere, it is almost impossible to find. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ora Cogan - Division

Highland Park 18 yo Macbeth A Whisky Collection The Thanes Series Young Siward

 

 

 

50,8°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Refill Hogsheads

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Still part of the Macbeth collection, whose somewhat crazy ambition is to offer a specific bottling for each character in the famous tragedy, this Highland Park illustrates the character of the young Siward. However, the whisky is not young, it is 18 years old, which is not bad, and has been aged in Refill Hogsheads, which will allow the distillate to reach its full potential. 650 bottles have been released.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It :  

Light heather on rocky ground, bushes, dry earth, and honey. Of course, there is a subtle hint of peat, but above all a mellow vanilla, with ripe plums, banana, and a generous zest of lemon. Iodine adds depth, traces of saltiness. On the palate, the honey is thicker, accompanied by fruit and nuts, dried herbs, malted cereals, candied ginger and a touch of aniseed, or peppermint. Long and powerful finish, melt-in-the-mouth biscuits filled with honey, limestone and peat, cut hay, various spices. 

 

In Short, 

A very typical Highland Park, but gentler than usual, with lots of fruit and honey, subtle peat and mild mineral notes. It's always very pleasant to drink, this is a distillery I'm very fond of. Apart from its exuberant fruitiness, there's nothing particularly special about this one. It's a shame the price is so high, otherwise I might have bought a bottle. 

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

                                           Lunariae - The Doll's Dream

Park Life 2003 Uncharted Whisky C° 22 yo

 

 

 

55°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Highlands

Refill Sherry Cask

Independent Bottling 

By Uncharted Whisky C°

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Uncharted Whisky C° is a young independent bottler founded in Scotland in 2020, which has produced between 50 and 60 expressions to date. This one comes from a distillery that is officially kept secret, but few people are unaware that it is a Highland Park. It has been aged for 22 years in a Single Refill Sherry Cask and reduced to 55% ABV. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

It is floral and slightly mineral, limestone and quartz, lilac, airy and iodised, sea spray, foam, then a chalky peat settles in. Gravel, pebbles, seaweed and kelp, pine honey, heather and a hint of vanilla, candied lemon and mirabelle plums. Chewing tobacco, very subtle smoke, warm wax, a eucalyptus leaf. On the palate, more honey, greengage tart, royal jelly, intense spices, almond oil. A pungent, powerful and long finish, clove, cigar ash, pecan, cola, slight woody bitterness, green apples, artichoke heart. Tinder.

 

In Short, 

There are a few minor flaws, a palate that is not quite expressive and a slightly bitter finish. Apart from that, it is a very good whisky, truly typical of the distillery, salty, airy, mineral, full of heather honey. The sherry is barely noticeable, it must be a third or fourth fill, it just adds a touch of fruitiness. What's incredible is the price, which is very low for a 22-year-old single cask, no doubt because the name of the distillery is kept secret, and it's reduced. So it's a bargain. 

Score : 89 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ailise Blake - Consecration

An Orkney Distillery 2007 The Single Malts of Scotland 16 yo

 

 

 

56,5°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2023

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

There are only two distilleries that have been operating for a long time on Orkney, and only one of them usually sells a lot of casks to trading companies, while prohibiting them from using its own name. So the origin of this one is no mystery, it was aged in sherry for 16 years and 4 months before filling 581 bottles. The only strange thing is that it apparently took two years to bring it to market.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Sherry with a hint of mint, very fresh and airy, but also sticky red fruits, dark berries, blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, warm caramel and coulis, dark melting chocolate, intense spices, thyme, nutmeg and pepper. On the palate, it is sweet, still with red fruits, macerated wood, heather, cinnamon, saffron, dried figs, quince jam. The finish is long and generous, powerful, full of spices, earthy, clove, treacle, wine sauce, bay leaf, parsley, a few coffee beans.

 

In Short, 

This is a very good sherry-filled Highland Park, which the range regularly treats us to. But this time it is a little older, and we can clearly distinguish some of the distillery's typical characteristics within the sherry markers. It is therefore very interesting, and what's more, the price is quite reasonable, so enthusiasts can indulge themselves.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Attic Ocean - August

Old Orkney 1999 Decadent Drinks 25 yo

 

 

 

50,3°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islands

Refill Hogsheads and 1st Fill American Oak Bodega Sherry Finish

Independent Bottling 

By Decadent Drinks 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This is the sixth bottling in the Old Orkney series launched in 2023 by Decadent Drinks. The project aims to revive the old school Highland Park, evoking a brand that disappeared over thirty years ago, Old Orkney. This one is a little unusual, as it has been finished for 6 years in a Bodega Sherry Butt, after maturing for 19 years in Refill Hogsheads. It is not a single cask, as the word “Hogshead” is plural on the label, which makes sense, as a hogshead holds around 250 litres, while a butt holds 500. There are probably two hogsheads but only one butt. The number of bottles produced is unknown. On the Decadent Drinks website, they only mention four Old Orkney bottlings, which I don't understand, as there are six listed on Whiskybase, with photos to prove it.

Let's Taste It : 

Très bel équilibre entre le Sherry et le Bourbon, miel de bruyère, noix de macadamia, marmelade d'oranges et de figues, tartines beurrées, toffee fondant, un zeste de citron, crème de vanille. Notes boisées, aiguilles de pin, qui cachent un iode très léger, air du large et embruns. Une bonne dose de cannelle. En bouche, fruits secs et fruits confits, une once de rancio, poire chaude arrosée de chocolat au lait, coulis abricoté, tabac brun, dattes, une très fine couche de tourbe, épices qui enveloppent la bouche, muscade, gingembre, safran. Finale longue et explosive, delicate herbaceousness, foin, roseaux, hautes herbes, écorce toastée, biscuits secs, cuir chaleureux. 

 

In Short, 

Superb sherry, tempered by the influence of bourbon but still very present, which does not mask the character of the distillery. It is a great success, with lots of fruit and spice, and a magnificent balance. On the other hand, the price is very high, so it is clearly not a whisky for everyone. Each person will have to make the sacrifices they are willing to accept. 

Score : 91

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Barnburner - See and Sleep

Highland Park 2006 The Art of Maturation Mission Gold 18 yo

 

 

 

57,2°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

Oloroso Sherry Octave Finish

Independant Bottling 

By Murray McDavid 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This 18-year-old Highland Park was finished in Octave casks of Oloroso sherry, which are small casks of less than 100 litres that allow for more intense interaction between the wood and the spirit. As proof of this, only three casks were used, resulting in a total of just 271 bottles available. I would have liked to know how long the finishing process lasted, but this information is unavailable. Not to be confused with another Highland Park from the same bottler, distilled the same year, with the same age, but reserved for The Old Bank of England, which is a renowned bar in London. 

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Delicate and floral peat envelops sweet fruits, quinces, dates, greengages, banana, salted butter caramel, melted milk chocolate, roasted hazelnuts, nougatine, very light minerality and a hint of iodine, a grain of sea salt. On the palate, it is more fruity, with ripe mirabelle plums, juicy pears and fresh figs, sprinkled with cocoa powder, peanut crumbs and cinnamon. Spices that revive a herbaceous peat, hot stones tinged with soot. The finish offers cereals mixed with honey, ash-covered bark and heather, almond paste and sea salt.

 

In Short, 

A superb balance between sweet sherry and very controlled peat, subtle coastal nuances and floral notes in the background. For me, as a long-time fan of this distillery, it's perfect, everything works. Except for the price, which I find very exaggerated, given that it's not a single cask.

Score : 90

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping : 

 

                                           Ihlo- Mute

Orkney (HP) 2010 100 Proof Edition #38 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butt and Bourbon Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2025

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

This is already the 4th bottling from Highland Park in the 100 Proof range, launched barely 16 months ago. As is almost always the case, it is aged mainly in Sherry casks, and the number of bottles produced is not specified, although it is known to be very large.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Red fruit purée, raspberries, redcurrants, blackcurrants, blueberries, light ashy peat, pieces of lignite, melting dark chocolate, hot caramel, dates, well ripened apricots. A floral touch, some heather, semi-salted butter, wood and molasses, sesame. On the palate, peaches, honey, mandarins, then fairly strong spices, cumin, nutmeg. Rather long finish, with a certain character, chocolate crumble, cinnamon, damp earth, soft caramel, sandalwood. Chewing tobacco, cashews.

 

In Short, 

The Sherry is a little more prominent than on the other two editions I tasted, and on the palate it's a little clear. It's still a good product, there's a nice apricot fragrance on the nose, and the finish is well done, but I find that it's the least good of the Orney 100 Proofs that I know of. But if you can't find another one, you might as well take this one, the distillery's character is clearly detectable, and the value for money is still very good.

Score : 87

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Sleep Party People - Things Will Disappear Like Tears in the Rain

Secret Orkney 2005 Cask Strength Collection Collection Foundations 19 yo

 

 

 

54,3°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Sherry Butt

Independent Bottling 

By Signatory Vintage 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

Still in the Collection Foundations, there are plenty of things to satisfy the enthusiast hungry for curiosities and quality, here we have a Highland Park that spent 19 years in a 1st Fill Sherry Butt, before being served in the form of 623 bottles to a thirsty public. I don't know why the name of the distillery isn't on the label, but at La Maison du Whisky, where I was lucky enough to taste it, they make no secret of where this little thing comes from.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Cream and butter, hazelnuts, a hint of wax and resin. Some exotic fruit, banana, pineapple, but above all yellow fruit, very pulpy, with a pleasant smoothness. After a little airing, a good ladleful of heather honey, woody, floral, airy. Perhaps a few notes of iodine, but very discreet. On the palate, some rustic, malty cereals, but that almost ethereal smoothness returns, almond milk, blond tobacco, whole walnuts. The peat is far in the background, with light spices. The long finish is absolutely up to scratch, with lime, brown sugar, bark, ginger and salted butter caramel.

 

In Short, 

The distillery's profile is very recognisable, but with some very interesting features. It's creamy and very delicate. Little or no mineral or iodine notes. So this is a very rounded, almost indulgent Highland Park that I would recommend, despite its high price. Fans of the distillery will appreciate its originality.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                          Sarah Kinsley - Sublime

Highland Park 2007 Connoisseurs Choice Cask Strength Collection Foundations 16 yo

 

 

 

56,1°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands 

Refill Bourbon Barrel 

Independent Bottling 

By Gordon & MacPhail 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

The 2nd bottling from the prestigious company Gordon & MacPhail to be specially selected by La Maison du Whisky as part of the Foundations Collection is this Highland Park, aged for 16 years in a Refill Bourbon Barrel, giving the distillate all the space it needs. 250 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Almond milk, malted barley, toasted wheat, soufflé, brioche, then the fruits come, teased by a slightly herbaceous peat, greengages, melon, walnuts. Delicate touches of heather and iodine. Cinnamon, shortbread biscuits. On the palate, milky vanilla, whipped cream, crossed by citrus flavours, lime, grapefruit, but still some greengage and a slight exotic note. Light spices, Williams pear. Long, gently mineral finish, liquoriced, chlorophyll, mint leaf, candied lemon, hot chestnuts. Bark.

 

In Short, 

A lovely Highland Park with its own little touch of originality, full of brioche and greengages. I'm not totally convinced but it's still very good. The price is a bit high but it's still OK. A purchase may be considered.

Score : 89

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Jasmine Myra - Rising

Orkney (HP) 2010 100 Proof Edition #30 14 yo

 

 

 

57,1° (100° Proof)

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands

1st Fill Oloroso Sherry Butts 

Independent Bottling

By Signatory Vintage

Limited Edition 

Single Malt 

Bottled in 2024 

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm

This is the third bottling from the Isle of Orkney in the 100 Proof range launched in early 2024 by Signatory Vintage, and this time it is clearly stated to be a Highland Park, thanks to the initial HP in brackets. As with the others, the age is 14 years and the maturation is in Sherry Butts, but this is the first time that only 1st Fill Butts has been used. The number of bottles produced is not disclosed, but it is more than a thousand. 

Let's Taste It : 

Fruity heather, mountain honey, iodine freshness with a malty touch, some floral fragrances. Milk chocolate, and light peat in the background. Creosote. Caramelised roundness, nougatine, plump mirabelles. Quince jam. On the palate, it's very well-balanced, very suave, with cereals in the middle of the honey, roasted wheat, toasted barley, then spices make themselves felt, grey pepper, cumin. Pungent finish, cloves, fresh wheat, banana Frécinette, bamboo stalk, dry earth, shortbread biscuits. Churned butter.

 

In Short, 

The Sherry is not overpowering, on the contrary, there's a lovely balance between the influence of the cask and that of the distillate. It is sweeter than the 100 Proof #15, which also comes from Orkney, with less peat and rock, but the finish is less powerful. It's still a good bottling, very pleasant to drink, and quite round. At this price, it's worth buying.

Score : 88

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Sharon Van Etten & The Attachment Theory - Trouble

Highland Park 2003 Artist #14 Rothes Glen Over 20 yo

56,9°

Distillery : Highland Park - Islands 

Sherry Butt 

Independent Bottling 

By La Maison du Whisky

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2024

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured, Cask Strength

Peated around 20 ppm

 

 

 

The 14th edition of the Artist range pays tribute to the architect Charles Doig, who drew up the plans for some fifty Scottish distilleries, and in particular designed their pagoda-shaped roofs, which are now the hallmark of whisky distilleries all over the world. Charles Doig was also behind the construction of Glen Rothes Castle, a nineteenth-century manor house, hence the subtitle of this Batch. This Highland Park is one of 6 whiskies to bear this subtitle, and the engraving of the manor house on the label. The label also features a painting by Victor Ekpuk entitled Child. 435 bottles are on sale.

 

 

 

Let's Taste It : 

Quite dark and racy sherry. Blackberries, raspberries, redcurrants, delicate and damp woodiness, rather exotic wood, sultanas, fig, and a drop of balsamic vinegar. Fresh iodine, a pinch of salt, liquorice, chocolate fondant. Very light smokiness. On the palate, blackberries and morello cherries, but it glides along very easily, it's not thick like some Sherries, resin, fat brown tobacco, copper tints, rich and varied spices, curry, saffron, cinnamon, walnut cake. Long, deep, earthy finish, dark chocolate, chicory, roots, ginger, sweet potatoes. Brown sugar, heather, delicate floral touches.

In Short, 

The Sherry is very present, but it complements the distillery's profile in a very subtle way, which remains however in the background. It's extremely well done, and fascinating to discover for a lover of this distillery like me, the profile is as if transfigured by the Sherry, but it's still there. Unfortunately, the very high price puts a stop to the desire.

Score : 90

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           Celeste - This is Who I am

An Orkney Distillery 2009 The Single Malts of Scotland 12 yo c. 7

 

 

 

56,3°

Distillery Officially Unknown - Islands

Sherry Hogshead

Independent Bottling 

By Elixir Distillers 

Limited Edition 

Single Cask 

Bottled in 2022

Unchillfiltered, Uncoloured

Peated around 20 ppm 

In recent years, Elixir Distillers has made a speciality of Highland Park aged in Sherry casks. Of course, officially we're not supposed to know that this is the most prestigious distillery to come out of the Orkney Islands, but it's no secret to anyone. Of the 7 bottlings from this distillery released by the famous company in 2022, 4 are aged in Sherry casks, and one is mixed, half Sherry, half Bourbon. The one we're talking about is one of these. Aged for 12 years and 5 months in a Sherry Hogshead, it gave birth to 327 bottles.

Let's Taste It : 

Right away, we know it's going to be big Sherry. And we're not disappointed, shoe polish, red fruit purée, blackcurrants, raspberries, blueberries, wood varnish, tomato soup, golden walnuts, barbecue sauce, curry. But there's also a balanced woodiness and notes of heather typical of the distillery. Indian spices, a touch of rancio but no sulphur. The palate is more balanced, with on one side caramelised walnut wood, chestnut cream and dried figs, and on the other mirabelle plums and prunes, bushes, conifers and hot chestnuts. Very discreet spices, grated nutmeg, cloves, saffron. Long, bewitching finish, ginger, roots, muscat grape pomace, fragrant bark, dark and damp earth, blackberry jam. Dark chocolate chips. Smoked wood leaves.

 

In Short, 

I'm not very enthusiastic about this one. I like Sherry a lot, but either it's a Sherry Bomb, which takes us into a magnificent fruity universe, or the Sherry is there to match and enhance the qualities of the distillate. Here, it's not one of these two cases. The Sherry is still too shy to be a real Bomb, and it's too strong to enhance the distillate. This in-between leaves me hungry for more. But that's just a matter of taste, others may love it. The fact remains that, 18 months after its release, it is no longer easy to find, and at an inordinate price.

Score : 88

                                           To Be Listened While Sipping :

 

                                           The Metamodern - Devil in the Dress