Highland Park

Highland Park is Scotland’s northernmost whisky distillery, lying just to the North-east of fellow Orcadian, Scapa. Orkney is a rugged, beautiful island and the Highland Park distillery sits on a hillside near Kirkwall. Not far are sweeping plains of barley field and the rocky outcrops which protrude ominously from the ground. The sea beats the coast; her salty air and the island’s geology contribute to the rich character of Highland Park single malts. The distillery draws its water from the mineral rich springs to the east of the distillery as well as the Crantit Spring.

Highland Park was founded in 1798, by David Robertson on what was once the site of Magnus Eunson's cottage. Eunson was not only a beadle at the local church but also a notorious smuggler. Highland Park was officially licensed in 1826. After James Borwick inherited the distillery in 1869, the production at Highland Park was slowed; James was a priest and believed that whisky production contradicted with his religious status. Accordingly, in 1876 Stuart and Mackay moved in and dramatically helped sales through overseas exportation.

In 1895, James Grant of Glenlivet fame acquired the Highland Park distillery. Three years later he installed further stills, bringing the total to four. One of the few Scotch whisky distilleries to operate onsite floor maltings, Highland Park’s weekly malted barley production of 35 tonnes supplies twenty percent of its own malt requirements, the remainder is shipped in from Simpson’s and Edrington’s maltings respectively. £18 million was spent relaunching the brand; the range was repackaged and remarketed and the buildings were extensively renovated. Highland Park’s future is bright having recently overtaken Islay giant Lagavulin in terms of sales.

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About Highland Park Whisky Distillery

Distillery Number

01856 874619

Distillery Founded

1798

Distillery Capacity

2 500 000 litres

Distillery Status

Active

Distillery Address

Holm Road, Kirkwall, Orkney KW15 1SU

Distillery Owner

The Edrington Group

Distillery Website

www.highlandpark.co.uk

1798

David Robertson founds the distillery. The local smuggler and businessman Magnus Eunson previously operated an illicit whisky production on this site.

1816

John Robertson, an Excise Officer who arrested Magnus Eunson, takes over production.

1826

Highland Park obtains a license and the distillery is taken over by Robert Borwick.

1840

Robert´s son George Borwick takes over but the distillery deteriorates.

1869

The younger brother James Borwick inherits Highland Park and attempts to sell it as he does not consider the distillation of spirits as compatible with his priesthood.

1876

Stuart & Mackay becomes involved and improves the business by exporting to Norway and India.

1895

James Grant (of Glenlivet Distillery) buys Highland Park.

1898

James Grant expands capacity from two to four stills.

1937

Highland Distilleries buys Highland Park.

1979

Highland Distilleries invests considerably in marketing Highland Park as single malt which increases sales markedly.

1986

A visitor centre, considered one of Scotland’s finest, is opened.

1997

Two new Highland Park are launched, an 18 year old and a 25 year old.

1999

Highland Distillers are acquired by Edrington Group and William Grant & Sons.

2000

Visit Scotland awards Highland Park “Five Star Visitor Attraction”. The distillery has spent over £2 million on the visitor centre and distillery.

2005

Highland Park 30 years old is released, first in the US and in the autumn in UK.

2006

The second edition of Ambassador´s Cask, a 10 year old from 1996, is released. New packaging is introduced.

2007

The Rebus 20, a 21 year old duty free exclusive, a 38 year old and a 39 year old are released.

2008

A 40 year old and the third and fourth editions of Ambassador´s Cask are released.

Professor Cornelius Ampleforth Branded Spirits

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Highland Park 27 Year Old 1984 - Directors' Cut (Douglas Laing)

(70cl, 50.70%)