One of the most awarded whiskies of all time. A classic dram. Highland Park 18 Year Old is in our Glencairn glass this week. Lucky us.

First introduced to the Highland Park portfolio in 1997, the whisky is matured in a high proportion of first-fill sherry seasoned European and American oak casks and aged for at least 18 years before being married together and bottled at 43% ABV with no additional colouring.

Compared to other 18-year-old whiskies in the market, it’s also decent value for money. At nearly £130, there’s certainly much more expensive than many of its peers, which are increasing in price all the time. 

So, the big question is: does this whisky still live up to the Highland Park name? Going purely off what’s in the glass, I can say personally I loved it. To me, it seems a pretty simple equation: if you take quality spirit that has a definable, individual style, then fill it into excellent casks and let it age for a healthy amount of time, then you’re going to make a good dram.

It’s not complicated, but it’s a very effective way of making whisky. Whether Highland Park 18 Year Old is called Viking Pride or not doesn’t mean that much to me. I like what I taste. And you can hear me say as much in this neat little video.

Highland Park 18 Year Old - Viking Pride

We’re tasting Highland Park 18 Year Old – Viking Pride this week

Highland Park 18 Year Old tasting note:

Nose: Waves of that trademark heathery peat wash over the nose with floral honey, dried fruit, pear drops, posh marmalade, and a little cherry/raspberry. So inviting and sophisticated, like Rupert Everett’s voice.

Palate: A mouth-coating palate delivers dried apricot, honeycomb, gingersnaps, toffee, creamy hazelnut coffee, candied orange peel, and sherried winter spices.

Finish: Orkney’s salty seaspray covers more smoke and sweet fruit. 

Highland Park 18 Year Old – Viking Pride is available from Master of Malt. That’s us!