Highland Park - Legacy of the Orcadian

Lifting the cork of Highland Park 16 year old, I have again, watch the water of life streaming out of the bottle. As I was taking the first sip, the golden liquid embraced my two sensations in a glimpse. I closed my eyes and the mind was already on its way to this northernmost distillery of Scotland. Established in 1798, Highland Park is located at the Orkney Island and is also one of the oldest distilleries today. With the pride of their Orcadian ancestry, the Orcadian legacy and traditions have rooted deeply into their drams. It's a pity that I don't have the 12 yo with me at the moment, well, but I have the big brother of the 12 yo - the 16 yo and 18 yo. Let's make it even more interesting tonight; I'll have the two tasted side by side. Though I believe that each dram should be appreciated as it is, but every so often it's more interesting to have a little competition.

The 16 yo was first released in 2005 and is exclusive for travel retail and duty free shops. The overall sensation to me is, sweet and easy to drink, with a lot of island characteristics such as saltiness. The 18 yo made its debut in 1997 and have been crowned the best whisky in the world. I respect all the whisky masters and their proficiency, however, I believe that the best whisky in the world is the best whisky to you!

Highland Park 16 year old (40%, 1L)
Colour: light golden
Aromas: malty, biscuit, salty, peat?
Palate: Smoky, bitter (trace)- sweet, dry on tongue, salty at end
Finish: the dryness on tongue remains (driness from tannin?), smoky

Highland Park 18 year old (43%, 70cl)
Colour: golden
Aromas: heavy honey heather, smoky, salty
Palate: honey sweet, trace of saltiness, very nicely balanced and firm in structure
Finish: dry, salty, a little spicy, warm


I can only fly my mind to the Orkney Island but not my flesh. To appreciate the distillery in a greater extend I firmly believe that it is necessary to have the mind, body and soul in one, on the island. The Ring of Brodgar have been standing there since the Neolithic age, more than four thousand years ago; imagine yourself touching the henge and feel that four hundred decades of human history right in the centre of your hand, the impact from such sensation is probably that path I have been seeking, to the deeper understanding of the Orcadian whisky.